====== Transverse tear ======

Tear or fissure of the anulus, running in the axial plane (horizontally), usually limited to rupture of the outer anular attachments to the ring apophysis. Note: Transverse tears are usually small and are located at the junction of the anulus and ring apophysis.

They may fill with gas and, thereby, become detectable on radiographs or CT. They may be early manifestations of spondylosis deformans. More extensive radial tears may have a transverse component. See: concentric tears,
radial tears.