From the Guidelines
FOOSH stands for "Fall On OutStretched Hand," a common mechanism of injury leading to various fractures, including distal radius fractures, as described in the context of orthopaedic injuries 1. This mechanism of injury is particularly relevant in the context of distal radius fractures, which are one of the most commonly occurring fractures, accounting for approximately 25% of fractures in the pediatric population and approximately 18% of fractures in the elderly 1. When a person experiences a FOOSH injury, they are at risk of sustaining a range of injuries, including wrist fractures, scaphoid fractures, distal radius fractures, or injuries to the elbow or shoulder. Key considerations in the management of FOOSH injuries include:
- Prompt medical attention, especially if there is significant pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to move the affected area
- Proper diagnosis through physical examination and imaging to determine the extent of the injury
- Treatment options, which may include immobilization with a splint or cast, pain management with medications, and possibly surgery for displaced fractures, as outlined in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the treatment of distal radius fractures 1.
From the Research
Definition of FOOSH
- FOOSH stands for Fall On an Outstretched Hand, which is a common mechanism of injury that can lead to various types of fractures and injuries, particularly in the wrist and forearm [(2,3,4)].
Characteristics of FOOSH
- FOOSH typically occurs when a person falls onto their outstretched hand, causing a hyperextension force on the wrist 2.
- This type of fall can result in a range of injuries, including scaphoid fractures, which are the most common type of wrist fracture 2.
- FOOSH can also lead to other types of injuries, such as fractures of the forearm and elbow 4.
Studies on FOOSH
- A study published in 2013 found that FOOSH is the most common mechanism of injury leading to scaphoid fractures, which can be difficult to treat and manage 2.
- Another study published in 2016 investigated the muscle activity of young and older women during an unexpected FOOSH, and found significant differences in muscle activation between the two age groups 3.
- A 2022 study examined the benefit of concurrent X-ray imaging of the wrist, forearm, and elbow in pediatric patients following a FOOSH, and found limited benefit to this approach 4.