Ankle Injury Takes a Turn From Sprain to Major Surgery

Four sport athlete Catelynn Koop, of Ackley, experienced what seemed like a routine ankle sprain before basketball season. She took some time off, rested and returned to normal activity. She made it through basketball season with tape and an ankle brace. Despite the lingering discomfort, she pressed on. By the time track season rolled around in the spring, the pain was hard to ignore. She took a break from hurdles and focused on running the 800-meter race.

“She ran her heart out and made it to state in the 4x800, where she ran a personal record time,” said Christy Koop, Catelynn’s mom. “We were super proud of her and the whole team. By this point, her ankle was hurting a lot and she had some weird bumps in her ankle.”

Catelynn and her parents turned to Dr. Charles Cibula with Cedar Valley Podiatry and a visiting specialist at Waverly Health Center (WHC). Dr. Cibula specializes trained in ankle and foot surgery. An X-ray and MRI revealed that Catelynn’s sprain had caused more damage than originally thought. The injury had torn a small piece of bone from her ankle and damaged the surrounding cartilage.

During surgery at WHC, Dr. Cibula discovered she had a fractured fibula in addition to the damaged bone and cartilage. It was a shock that she could compete or even walk on it. For seven weeks after surgery, Catelynn wore a special boot and could not put any weight on her ankle.

“As a parent it is so hard to see your child going through something like this and I am so thankful for doctors and nurses who care about their patients and take the time to help them,” said Christy. “I cannot say enough about how excellent the care was.”

Catelynn is determined to get back on her feet—literally and figuratively – and hopes to be in a regular shoe by Thanksgiving. While her ankle may be temporarily sidelined, her spirit and determination remain as strong as ever.

“I had a great experience at Waverly Health Center,” said Catelynn. “Everyone was so nice and had a smile to help me get through my tough days. It has been a long road. I’m ready to be all healed up, but thankful to be this far on the journey.”