What is a common cause of elbow fractures in general?

Falling onto an outstretched arm is a common cause of elbow fractures due to the mechanics involved during the fall. When an individual falls and extends their arm in an attempt to break the fall, the force of the impact travels up the arm and can place significant stress on the elbow joint. This can lead to fractures not only in the elbow itself but also in the distal humerus or other related structures. Such fractures are particularly prevalent in activities where falls are common, like in sports or during daily activities.

The other choices, while they represent potential causes of elbow issues, are less common specifically for fractures. Excessive weight lifting can lead to stress injuries or tendinopathy over time but is not typically associated with acute fractures. Direct trauma from a hit could cause fractures, but this scenario is usually more specific to contact sports and less frequent than falls. Lastly, repetitive microtrauma from throwing may lead to chronic conditions such as elbow tendinitis or instability rather than acute fractures. Thus, the mechanics of falling onto an outstretched arm make it the most prevalent cause of elbow fractures in general.