In the grip strength-based disability calculation for the Colles fracture case, which percentage is used as the permanent disability value?

• A. 13 percent
• B. 14 percent
• C. 17.1 percent
• D. 18.2 percent

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that permanent disability in the upper limb from a Colles fracture, when assessed by grip strength, is determined by a standardized impairment table that converts the amount of grip strength loss into a fixed percentage of disability. In this case, the table assigns 17.1% as the permanent disability value for the level of grip-strength impairment described.

So the reason this is the best answer is that the calculation follows that specific rating schedule: measure the grip strength loss, then map that loss to the corresponding impairment percentage on the chart. The Colles fracture scenario given corresponds to 17.1% on that chart, not 13%, 14%, or 18.2%.

In practice, you’d compare grip strength of the affected wrist to the normal grip strength of the other hand, determine the degree of loss, and apply the standardized table to obtain the permanent disability percentage.