Case study: compression fracture of thoracic spine with emphasis on fabrication of a protective pad for athletic participation.

Preparation for return to full competition by an injured athlete can be enhanced by the use of a protective pad. This article presents the fabrication of a protective pad for a compression fracture of TI, with resulting prominence of the spinous process. The mechanism of injury of a compression fracture for the thoracic vertebrae is discussed and general guidelines for the proper construction of a pad are presented. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(2):115-117.