Nerve Injury Classification — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardOral SurgeryNerve Injury ClassificationNDEB AFK

Which condition is characterised by failure of the inferior alveolar nerve to regenerate after injury, resulting in permanent anaesthesia of the lower lip and chin?

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Correct answer: D — Neurotmesis

Neurotmesis is the most severe nerve injury (Seddon classification), involving complete disruption of the nerve trunk (axon, myelin sheath, and endoneurium). It results in permanent sensory loss (anaesthesia) unless surgical repair (microsurgical neurorrhaphy) is performed. Neuropraxia is a temporary conduction block with complete recovery (weeks). Axonotmesis involves axon damage but intact endoneurium, allowing spontaneous regeneration (months).

Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019