Figure 8. The applied force to severity of nerve injury relationship demonstrating the NIC spectrum and NIC window.

Based on the data presented, we propose that the degree of functional deficit that follows traumatic peripheral nerve injuries is dependent on the disruption of the internal nerve architecture of a particular nerve. Sunderland grade 3 and 4 injuries are replaced by the NIC spectrum. Minor variations of force on the hypothetical steep slope within the NIC window may have a dramatic effect on the injury severity and resultant functional recovery.