A Colles' fracture typically involves which two bones?

A Colles' fracture specifically refers to a fracture of the distal radius in the forearm, typically occurring just above the wrist. It often occurs when a person falls on an outstretched hand, leading to a characteristic dorsal angulation of the distal fragment of the radius.

The radius is one of the two major bones in the forearm, the other being the ulna. While the ulna does not typically fracture in a Colles' fracture, the injury primarily affects the radius itself. Therefore, the correct pairing that includes the radius and another relevant bone in this context is the radius and ulna. This makes the answer valid as these two bones are closely associated in forearm and wrist movements, which is crucial for understanding the mechanics of the injury and its implications for rehabilitation in a Pilates context.

Focusing on the other combinations helps in recognizing the specific nature of a Colles' fracture: the humerus is not involved as it is located in the upper arm, while the tibia and fibula are bones of the lower leg, and the femur and tibia are associated with the thigh and lower leg, respectively. Understanding the specifics of the anatomy related to injuries is essential for effective assessment and teaching within Pilates.