What Is the Sequence of Mechanical and Structural Failure During Stretch Injury in the Rat Median Nerve? The Neuroclasis Classification

The order and degree of failure in the rat median nerve seems to follow a predictable "outside-in" pattern. This sequence of mechanical and structural failure may inform a classification system of nerve stretch injuries that may more accurately reflect the pathoanatomy and prognosis. We offer a new classification of nerve injuries based on the sequence of nerve failure in rats. However, future studies are needed to validate the applicability of the neuroclasis classification to human peripheral nerves before clinical implementation and use can be proposed. The characterization of specific injury levels using an animal model provides a framework that could facilitate the development of novel diagnostic tools, potentially identifying the specific structural changes found in this study in the acute clinical setting.