If you fall forward and catch yourself with your hand, the radial head tends to become stuck in which direction?

If you fall forward and catch yourself with your hand, the radial head tends to become stuck in which direction?

• A. Anteriorly
• B. Medially
• C. Posteriorly
• D. Laterally

Answer: (C)

When you fall forward and catch yourself with an outstretched hand, the elbow is driven into extension and a strong axial load travels up the forearm. The radial head is held in place by the annular ligament and pressed against the capitellum as the forearm is forced backward by the triceps pulling on the olecranon. This combination tends to push the radial head backward, so it becomes stuck in a posterior position relative to the elbow joint. The other directions would require different forces or movements not typically produced by this FOOSH mechanism, so posterior displacement is the most likely outcome.

When you fall forward and catch yourself with an outstretched hand, the elbow is driven into extension and a strong axial load travels up the forearm. The radial head is held in place by the annular ligament and pressed against the capitellum as the forearm is forced backward by the triceps pulling on the olecranon. This combination tends to push the radial head backward, so it becomes stuck in a posterior position relative to the elbow joint. The other directions would require different forces or movements not typically produced by this FOOSH mechanism, so posterior displacement is the most likely outcome.