antirotation

Antirotation refers to the property or mechanism that resists rotational movement around an axis. It is a concept used across multiple disciplines, including engineering, medicine, biomechanics, and dentistry, to maintain orientation and stability of components or biological segments under load. Antirotation features are designed to prevent twisting, misalignment, or torques that could compromise function.

In engineering and mechanical design, antirotation features prevent components from twisting relative to one another when subjected to torsional forces. Common implementations include splined interfaces, keys and keyways, set screws, locking plates, interlocking joints, and anti-rotation pins. These elements are used in machine assemblies, structural joints, gear trains, and rotor or transmission systems to preserve alignment and performance under load.

In orthopedic surgery, antiro tation is a goal of fracture fixation. Techniques and devices that resist rotation of bone fragments help maintain proper alignment during healing. Examples include locking plates with locking screws that form fixed-angle constructs, intramedullary nails with interlocking screws, and supplementary anti-rotation screws or pins in selected fracture patterns. The aim is to reduce torsional instability and promote reliable union.

In dentistry and orthodontics, antirotation relates to strategies that limit rotation of teeth or dental segments during treatment. This can involve bracket design, archwires, and auxiliary appliances intended to counteract unwanted torques and preserve tooth orientation throughout therapy.

Overall, antirotation is a widely applied concept focused on preventing unwanted rotational motion to preserve structural or biological alignment under functional loads.