Which nerve injury involves complete transection of the nerve?

Which nerve injury involves complete transection of the nerve?

• A. Axonotmesis
• B. Neuropraxia
• C. Neurotmesis
• D. Neurapraxia

Answer: (C)

Complete transection of a nerve is neurotmesis. In this injury the nerve trunk is fully cut, including the axons and the surrounding connective tissue scaffolding. Distal Wallerian degeneration occurs, and spontaneous recovery is unlikely because the severed ends cannot rejoin in an organized way. Surgical repair is typically required to reestablish continuity and guide regeneration. By comparison, neuropraxia is a temporary conduction block with the axons intact, and axonotmesis involves axonal disruption but with preserved endoneurial tubes, allowing regeneration along the remaining framework. The key distinction is that neurotmesis represents a full severing that disrupts the entire nerve architecture.