What is the most common wrist fracture resulting from falling on an outstretched hand?

The most common wrist fracture resulting from falling on an outstretched hand is indeed a Colles' fracture. This injury typically occurs when a person attempts to break their fall with an extended wrist, leading to a fracture of the distal radius, which is commonly located about an inch proximal (closer to the body) to the wrist joint.

In a Colles' fracture, the fracture fragment is often displaced dorsally (toward the back of the hand), causing the characteristic "dinner fork" appearance of the wrist. This type of fracture is prevalent among older adults, particularly women with osteoporosis, but can happen to anyone who falls in a similar manner.

While other types of fractures listed may occur in various scenarios, they are not as commonly associated with the mechanism of falling on an outstretched hand. For example, a scaphoid fracture can occur from a similar fall, but it is less frequent due to the specific mechanics of how the wrist is impacted. Smith's fractures result from a fall on a flexed wrist and involve a fracture of the distal radius that is displaced volarly (toward the palm), while distal ulnar fractures usually occur in isolation or in conjunction with other injuries rather than as a direct result of a