A 22-year-old male presents with wrist pain following a fall on an outstretched hand. Which condition should be of immediate concern?

• A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• B. Scaphoid fracture
• C. Distal radius fracture
• D. Wrist sprain

Answer: (B)

The immediate concern in this scenario is a scaphoid fracture, primarily due to the mechanism of injury and the typical presentation associated with a fall on an outstretched hand. This type of injury is common among young adults, particularly active individuals, and can easily lead to complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

The scaphoid bone is one of the carpal bones located in the wrist and is particularly vulnerable to fractures during such falls. A fracture of this bone can often go unnoticed because the symptoms may initially present as wrist pain without obvious deformity. However, it is critical to recognize that scaphoid fractures carry a risk of avascular necrosis due to their precarious blood supply, which can result in long-term functional impairment if not properly addressed.

Immediate diagnosis and management often involve imaging, including X-rays or MRI, to avoid any delays that could lead to complications. Early recognition of the fracture ensures appropriate treatment, such as immobilization in a cast or, in some cases, surgical intervention.

While a distal radius fracture could also result from the same fall and would need evaluation, the emphasis here is on the scaphoid fracture due to its potential for serious complications. Carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist sprains are typically related to chronic