The location of the fractured instrument within the root canal is critical because it determines the accessibility and feasibility of removal or bypass. Instruments located in the coronal or middle third are generally easier to retrieve, while those in the apical third pose higher risks of canal damage or perforation during removal. Additionally, location affects prognosis, as fragments lodged near the apex may compromise cleaning and sealing, potentially leading to treatment failure. Therefore, precise assessment of the fragment’s position guides clinical decision-making and treatment planning.

Reference: Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp, 12th Edition.