Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

In a vertical fall, which bone is most likely to be broken?

1. Calcaneus

2. Femur

3. Tibia

4. Scaphoid

The correct answer is: Calcaneus

In the context of a vertical fall, the calcaneus, or heel bone, is the most likely to be broken due to the mechanics of how forces are transmitted through the body during such an incident. When a person falls from a height and lands on their feet, the impact is directly absorbed by the lower extremities. The calcaneus is particularly vulnerable because it bears the brunt of the impact when landing, especially if the fall is from a significant height. The calcaneus must withstand the increased stress and forces during vertical landings, making it susceptible to compression fractures. This type of injury is relatively common in cases of high-energy trauma, such as jumping or falling from heights, which aligns with the scenario presented in the question. The other bones mentioned—femur, tibia, and scaphoid—while they can also sustain fractures in various forms of trauma, are not typically the primary sites of injury in vertical falls. The femur, being a stronger and larger bone, may be more susceptible to fractures in different types of accidents. The tibia, while it can break under stress, is not directly impacted in the same way as the calcaneus. The scaphoid, located in the wrist, generally