In Seddon's classification of nerve injuries, the term 'axonotmesis' is characterized by which features?

• A Neuropraxia only — no wallerian degeneration, full spontaneous recovery in days to weeks
• B Axon discontinuity with wallerian degeneration but endoneurium intact — spontaneous recovery expected at 1 mm/day ✓
• C Complete nerve transection — no spontaneous recovery without surgical repair
• D Demyelination only with intact axon — brief conduction block without structural injury

Explanation

Seddon classification: Neuropraxia = conduction block (demyelination), axon intact, endoneurium intact, full recovery in weeks; Axonotmesis = axon disrupted with wallerian degeneration distal to injury, but endoneurial tubes, perineurium, and epineurium intact — spontaneous axonal regeneration occurs at 1-4 mm/day guided by intact tubes, with proximal recovery first (tinel's sign advances); Neurotmesis = complete nerve division, no spontaneous recovery. Sunderland further classifies into 5 degrees, where degrees I-IV correspond to neuropraxia through axonotmesis stages, and degree V = neurotmesis.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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