When a person attempts to break his or her fall with an outstretched hand, he or she often winds up with __________.

• A. a Colles' fracture
• B. a dislocated shoulder
• C. carpal tunnel syndrome
• D. a greenstick fracture

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: When a person falls and uses an outstretched hand to break the fall, the impact is absorbed by the bones and joints of the arm, particularly the wrist and forearm.
2. Identify the common injuries associated with this type of fall: The most common injury is a fracture of the distal radius, known as a Colles' fracture. This occurs when the radius bone in the forearm breaks near the wrist.
3. Consider the mechanism of injury: A Colles' fracture typically results from a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH), where the wrist is extended at the time of impact.
4. Differentiate from other potential injuries: A dislocated shoulder involves the shoulder joint, carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury affecting the wrist, and a greenstick fracture is more common in children and involves a partial fracture of the bone.
5. Conclude with the most likely injury: Given the scenario of falling on an outstretched hand, the most likely injury is a Colles' fracture, as it directly relates to the mechanism of injury described.