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Red Panda's Wrist Injury: Understanding High-Energy Wrist Fractures and Treatment
Date posted: 7/1/2025
Last updated: 7/1/2025
Red Panda's Injury: A High-Energy Fall
When acrobat Red Panda — renowned for her unicycle performances at NBA and WNBA halftime shows—fell during a recent WNBA game, millions watched as she landed forcefully on her outstretched hand. The impact, captured on video, resulted in a high-energy wrist fracture that quickly gained national attention.
Dr. Mark S. Cohen, a nationally recognized hand and wrist surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, provides orthopedic insight into the injury and the surgical care required. With decades of experience treating elite athletes and complex wrist fractures, Dr. Cohen outlines what likely occurred, why surgery is needed, and what recovery typically entails for patients like Red Panda.
What Happens When the Wrist Breaks?
Despite being commonly referred to as a “wrist fracture,” this type of injury often involves the distal radius, the end portion of the forearm bone that connects to the wrist. The distal radius acts as a structural platform, supporting the small bones of the wrist and allowing for smooth hand and forearm movement.
In high-impact injuries, such as a fall from a unicycle, the radius can crack or even shatter, causing the wrist and hand to shift out of normal alignment. This disruption in bone structure compromises stability, motion, and function. In such cases, surgery is typically required to realign the bones and restore proper support to the wrist.
Surgical Repair and Modern Treatment Options
The standard surgical approach for a displaced distal radius fracture involves the use of a small, anatomically contoured metal plate. This plate is inserted through a precise incision on the palm side of the wrist and secured to the bone using locking screws. The hardware stabilizes the fracture fragments, enabling proper bone healing.
Modern plating systems are low-profile and positioned deep beneath the skin, so patients typically do not feel or see the implant. One of the major advantages of contemporary surgical techniques is the ability to begin early range-of-motion exercises, often within days of the procedure. This helps prevent stiffness and promotes a quicker return to normal wrist function.
The Road to Recovery
While bone healing generally occurs over six to eight weeks, full functional recovery — especially for elite performers like Red Panda — takes longer. Once the bone is healed, rehabilitation shifts to strengthening and restoring fine motor control.
For someone whose profession relies on balance, coordination, and upper body control, the return-to-performance window is typically around three to four months. With proper surgical care, physical therapy, and commitment to recovery, most patients can expect to regain full mobility and return to their previous level of activity.
Positive Prognosis and Well Wishes
Wrist fractures, even those caused by high-energy trauma, are highly treatable. The vast majority of patients recover functional mobility and resume their normal lives without long-term limitations.
Red Panda’s skill, athleticism, and resilience have inspired audiences worldwide. With expert orthopedic care and rehabilitation, she is well-positioned to make a full recovery and return to the stage.
About the Author
Mark S. Cohen, MD, is a hand, wrist, and elbow surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. He is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in complex upper extremity injuries and reconstructive surgery.
