Strip Perforation
An elongated iatrogenic perforation of the inner wall of a curved root canal, caused by over-instrumentation of the concave aspect of the root.
Full Definition
Strip perforation is a complication of root canal instrumentation in curved canals, particularly in the mesial roots of mandibular molars, where the concave inner curvature ('danger zone') is thin. Aggressive filing or inappropriate instrument selection removes dentine until the canal wall is perforated along a linear ('strip-like') path rather than at a single point. Unlike a round perforation, a strip perforation cannot be effectively sealed with standard repair materials and often carries a poor prognosis. Editors should note that 'strip' refers to the elongated morphology and must not be confused with 'zipping' (apical transportation) or furcation perforation, both of which are distinct complications.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'strip perforation' as a distinct complication type when editing operative reports; do not collapse it into the generic 'perforation'.
In Context
- "Aggressive filing in the mesial canals resulted in a strip perforation along the inner curvature of the root." — Complication report in endodontic training log
- "The case summary should clarify whether the perforation was a point perforation or the more clinically challenging strip perforation." — Peer-review editorial feedback