Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 2, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Fall Outstretched Hand

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Wrist Sprain: This is the most common injury from a fall onto an outstretched hand, due to the force transmitted through the wrist, potentially causing ligamentous injury.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Colles' Fracture: A fracture of the distal radius, common in osteoporotic individuals or from a fall onto an outstretched hand, leading to a characteristic "dinner fork" deformity.
  • Scaphoid Fracture: A fracture of one of the carpal bones in the wrist, often occurring from a fall onto an outstretched hand. It's notorious for its difficulty in diagnosis due to subtle symptoms and potential for delayed union or nonunion.
  • Wrist Contusion: Direct trauma to the wrist can cause bruising and pain without a significant fracture or sprain.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Radial Head Fracture: Although less common than wrist injuries, a fracture of the radial head can occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand, especially if there's a mechanism involving elbow extension and forearm rotation.
  • Monteggia Fracture: A fracture of the ulna with a dislocation of the proximal radioulnar joint. It's a serious injury that requires prompt recognition and treatment to avoid long-term complications.
  • Compartment Syndrome: A potentially limb-threatening condition that can arise from increased pressure within the compartments of the forearm or hand, often following a severe injury.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Galeazzi Fracture: A fracture of the radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. It's less common but important to recognize due to its potential for significant morbidity if not properly treated.
  • Essex-Lopresti Fracture: A fracture of the radial head with dislocation of the interosseous membrane and the distal radioulnar joint, leading to forearm instability. It's rare but critical to diagnose accurately to ensure appropriate management.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.