What type of fracture is commonly associated with a fall where a person lands on the heel of their hand?

A Smith fracture, also referred to as a reverse Colles fracture, typically occurs when a person falls onto an outstretched hand with the wrist in a flexed position. This mechanism of injury leads to a fracture of the distal radius with dorsal angulation and often involves the volar surface. This scenario aligns well with falling on the heel of the hand, as the force is transmitted through the wrist and results in the characteristic type of fracture associated with a fall.

In contrast, while a Colles fracture is also related to falls impacting the wrist, it is specifically characterized by dorsal angulation resulting from the wrist being extended at the time of injury. Phalangeal fractures involve the bones of the fingers and frequently result from direct trauma or impact rather than the fall described. Metacarpal fractures generally occur due to direct trauma (like hitting an object) rather than a fall onto a hand. Hence, the mechanism of landing on the heel of the hand makes the Smith fracture the most appropriate choice in this context.