Thoracic spine fracture in a football player. A case report.

Compression fractures of the thoracic spine are less common than injuries to the cervical, thoracolumbar, or lumbar regions because of the inherent stability and geometry of the thoracic spinal region. This injury may be difficult to detect acutely because of the lack of localizing symptoms. An appropriate index of suspicion should be present when examining a player experiencing acute back pain associated with localized spinal tenderness. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are needed to maximize the patient's chances of return to normal function while avoiding further injury from lack of recognition of the injury or too early return to play.