What is a transverse fracture?

A transverse fracture is characterized by a horizontal break across the bone. The correct understanding of a transverse fracture highlights that it typically results from a direct force or impact that causes the bone to snap along a horizontal plane. This is distinct from other types of fractures based on the mechanism of injury and the orientation of the fracture line.

In evaluating the other options, the injury caused by a twisting motion refers more closely to a spiral fracture, where the bone is subjected to rotational forces. A fracture that occurs in a diagonal line is indicative of an oblique fracture, which typically results from an angled force rather than the direct impact that produces a transverse fracture. Lastly, a fracture that affects only the surface of the bone describes a hairline or stress fracture which does not penetrate completely through the bone, thus differing fundamentally from a transverse fracture that fully breaks through the cortex of the bone.