A 12-year-old has a forearm deformity after falling on outstretched hands. This injury is most likely due to which mechanism?

The injury described is most likely due to an indirect force mechanism, which is consistent with the scenario of falling on outstretched hands. When an individual falls and attempts to break the fall with their hands, the force generated from the impact is transmitted through the extended arms to the wrist and forearm. This type of force can lead to various forearm injuries, including fractures or deformities, particularly in children whose bones are still developing and may be more susceptible to such injuries.

Indirect forces are those that do not directly impact the site of injury but rather result from forces being transferred through the body due to a fall or movement. In this case, the deformation in the forearm arises from the energy of the fall passing through the wrist and forearm bones. Understanding this mechanism helps in assessing and managing similar injuries effectively, as it emphasizes the importance of considering body mechanics during accidents.