A history of the department’s logo

For nearly twenty years, patients, alumni, academic peers, industry peers, and friends of the department have come to identify our logo to be synonymous with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at UNMC. This month, we are sharing some details about the logo’s history. 
 
The logo was conceived and illustrated in 2002 by Professor Hani Haider, PhD, Director of the Orthopaedics Biomechanics & Advanced Surgical Technologies Laborator. After approval from the University of Nebraska, it has been used alongside the UNMC logo in many department publications, posters, presentations and publications at local, national and international orthopaedic meetings. It is also featured on our department’s Wall of Honor, a series of brushed metal plaques that permanently recognizes individuals who have contributed $100,000 or more in support of the department’s mission.
 
The logo comprises a well-known tree symbol straightened by a solid structure symbolizing Nebraska. 
 
The ‘crooked tree’ symbol, created by Nicholas Andry, dates back as far as 1741 and has been adopted worldwide as the symbol for orthopaedics. Orthopaedic departments and societies throughout the world have adapted this image in several ways to represent their locale and strong points of the department. Andry’s original ‘crooked tree’ symbol depicts a straight stake tied to a crooked sapling, a metaphor for the correction of bone deformities in children and now interpreted as human bones in general.
 
A specific, solid 3-D of the general shape of a letter N was utilized to represent the strength and reputation of the great state of Nebraska. The logo was designed to illustrate the impact of state-of-the-art research and education taking place in Nebraska on the field of orthopaedic surgery, both nationally and internationally. 
 
The right-side pillar of the N supports and straightens the ‘crooked tree,’ symbolizing the superior care offered by our Nebraska surgeons for patients afflicted with musculoskeletal disorders who entrust their care and treatment to our department.