Final answer:
A Colles fracture is the most common wrist fracture resulting from a fall onto an outstretched hand, characterized by a "dinner fork" deformity and is prevalent among older adults and individuals engaging in high-speed activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common type of wrist fracture from falling forward on an outstretched hand is a Colles fracture. This injury involves a complete transverse fracture across the distal radius, leading the separated distal fragment of the radius to be driven posteriorly and superiorly. As a result of this displacement, there is a characteristic "dinner fork" deformity of the forearm just above the wrist. Colles fractures are particularly common in older individuals, particularly those over the age of 50 and in people with osteoporosis. It is also a frequent injury among those involved in activities such as snowboarding or skating where falls onto the hand occur at high speed.