Reduce, Reuse... Repurpose?
Brian Hansen
![Hansen - reduce, reuse, repurpose photo of a coat rack](/content/medicine_vtc_vt_edu/en/academics/distinctive-programs/narrative-medicine/issue3/hansen-2023/_jcr_content/content/adaptiveimage.transform/m-medium/image.jpeg)
This coat rack is made from retired, replaced or recalled femoral implants for total hip arthroplasty and American black walnut (routed with a Roman ogee profile). Inspiration for this piece stems from the ecological impact of orthopedic procedures - specifically, joint arthroplasty. Studies have shown that a significant amount of waste is generated in orthopedic procedures, with many recyclable materials finding their way to landfills. This coat rack repurposes implants that were otherwise doomed for a landfill, while also serving as an entertaining conversation piece.
Waste and recycling among orthopedic subspecialties