Which fracture is most commonly associated with the fifth metacarpal?

The most commonly associated fracture with the fifth metacarpal is the Boxer's fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs when a person strikes a hard object with a closed fist, leading to a fracture of the distal end of the fifth metacarpal bone, also known as the "little finger" or "pinky."

The presentation of a Boxer's fracture often includes pain, swelling, and sometimes deformity in the area of the affected metacarpal. This fracture is particularly prevalent among individuals who engage in activities where punching is frequent, such as boxing or other combat sports.

In the context of other types of fractures mentioned, while a Smith fracture involves the wrist area (specifically the distal radius), a transverse fracture refers to a fracture that occurs across the bone and can occur in various locations without being specific to the metacarpals. A buckle fracture, often seen in children, is a type of incomplete fracture that generally affects the bone's diaphysis, usually in the forearm, rather than directly associated with the fifth metacarpal. Therefore, the classification of a Boxer's fracture as the most common injury related to the fifth metacarpal stands out clearly among the options provided.