The Classification of Nerve Injury Revisited: Sunderland 0‐VI
<b>Introduction</b>:Seddon and Sunderland's original nerve injury classification systems have stood the test of time over the last 70 years and continue to be widely used today. However, since those original descriptions, knowledge of nerve pathophysiology and healing has advanced, electrodiagnostic results have become more refined, and surgical options have increased. <b>Methods</b>: We offer a revisited review of the nerve injury classification to incorporate new knowledge for the modern era of nerve surgery. <b>Results</b>: We offer the addition of grades 0 and VI to the existing classification of nerve injuries based on Sunderland's framework, and we present a simplified classification that is patient and physician oriented, reflecting prognosis, time to recovery, and degree of recovery. <b>Discussion</b>: By following this nerve injury framework, clinicians can better assess, prognosticate, and manage patients.
Authors
- Susan E. Mackinnon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5561-6027)
- Erica B. Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0332-8696)
- Noah S. Llaneras (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7064-1896)
- Stahs Pripotnev (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0880-6725)
- Michelle Seu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6122-4767)
- Megan W. Patterson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8299-2706)
- Bob Teixeira
Institutions
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (US)
- Western University (CA)
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital (US)
- Johns Hopkins University (US)
- Loyola University Chicago (US)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (US)
- Jewish Hospital (US)
- Hand and Upper Limb Clinic (CA)
- University of North Carolina Hospitals (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Plastic Surgery
- Published
- 2025-09-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503251375862
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Nerve Injury and Rehabilitation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.01