Transverse process fracture
A clearer picture
Your specialist will explain what’s happened and what your recovery may involve.
Care shaped around you
Your treatment plan will reflect how you’re feeling and support steady progress at a pace that suits you.
Confidence as you heal
You’ll receive practical guidance to help you move more comfortably and return to the activities that matter.
What are transverse process fractures?
Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. Each one has small bony points that stick out from either side, where muscles and ligaments attach. These are called transverse processes. A transverse process fracture is a break in one of these small bony points. It most often happens in the lower back. Although this type of fracture can be painful, your spine will often stay stable and surgery is rarely needed.
What causes transverse process fractures?
A transverse process fracture can happen when your back is suddenly twisted or bent sideways with force. This might happen in a fall or road traffic accident, or during sports such as skiing or horse riding.
A direct blow to your back can also cause this type of fracture. Because it often happens after a significant impact, your care team may also check that you haven’t injured other parts of your body.
What are the symptoms?
You may feel a sharp or aching pain on one side of your back, around the area of the fracture. Bending, twisting or changing position may make the pain feel worse.
Other symptoms can include:
- Tenderness around the injured area
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Swelling around your back
- Difficulty moving comfortably
Numbness, weakness or changes to bladder or bowel control aren’t expected with a transverse process fracture. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical help, as they may be a sign of a more serious spinal injury.
How are transverse process fractures diagnosed?
Your specialist will ask how the injury happened and where you’re feeling pain. They’ll gently examine your back and may also check your strength and feeling to make sure your nerves haven’t been affected.
An X-ray may be used first, although these small breaks can sometimes be difficult to see. A CT scan gives a more detailed picture of the bones and is often used after a significant accident.
If your specialist needs a closer look at the nerves or soft tissues around your spine, they may also recommend an MRI scan.
How are transverse process fractures treated?
Most transverse process fractures heal without surgery. Once your specialist is happy that your spine is stable, your care will focus on easing discomfort and helping you get moving safely again.
Your plan will be shaped around what your scans show, how you’re feeling and the everyday activities you want to get back to.
Treatment routes for transverse process fractures
Your specialist will talk you through what the scans show and check for any other injuries that may need attention.
At first, pain relief and a short break from activities that make your symptoms worse may help. Your specialist may recommend a back support, sometimes called a brace, if it helps you feel more comfortable, but not everyone needs one.
As your pain eases, you’ll be encouraged to start moving more at a pace that feels manageable. A physiotherapy plan tailored to you can help you move more freely, rebuild confidence and work towards returning to work, exercise or sport.
Recovery goals after a transverse process fracture
Phase 1 goals:
Take pain relief your care team recommends Begin short, gentle walks as soon as you can Avoid heavy lifting and movements that increase your pain Wear a back support or collar only if your specialist recommends one
Phase 2 goals:
As your comfort improves, increase the length of your walks Build up your physiotherapy exercises at a manageable pace Strengthen the muscles supporting your back without placing too much pressure on the healing area Return to lighter work or usual daily tasks when your care team feels it’s safe
Phase 3 goals:
Continue building your fitness and stamina Practise movements needed for work or exercise Gradually reintroduce heavier activity once it feels comfortable Work towards returning to sport with guidance from your specialist or physiotherapist
Working with Spine professionals and teams
Our spine specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their spines. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Spine treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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