In the Colles fracture case, the permanent disability was 13 percent.

• A. 3 percent
• B. 5 percent
• C. 13 percent
• D. 15 percent

Answer: (C)

Permanent disability ratings are drawn from a fixed schedule that assigns specific percentages to particular injuries. For a Colles fracture, the schedule lists 13 percent as the permanent disability once maximum medical improvement is reached, reflecting the residual impairment of wrist function (motion loss, grip strength reduction, and potential stiffness or deformity). This value is used to quantify impairment for compensation purposes, assuming no additional complications that would push the rating higher or lower. The smaller percentages would correspond to milder impairments, while a higher percentage would indicate more extensive loss of function or more severe consequences, which is why 13 percent is the best match for a typical Colles fracture case.