Courtney bounces back after 9 orthopedic surgeries

Courtney Carpenter (left) gets unwavering support from parents, Craig and Katrina, and younger sister, Kaycee.

What do you do when you’re an active kid, and your joints keep hurting? You seek help from an expert. That’s just what Courtney Carpenter of Girard, Ohio and her family did.

“I was a gymnast for many years, until the pain got so bad that I was forced to quit,” she said. “In high school, I played soccer. I was also on the dance line, and I believe this is where a lot of the damage on my joints was from.”

In addition to pain, Courtney’s joints popped in and out. She sought help from Akron Children’s and was referred to Dr. Patrick Riley Jr., orthopedic surgeon. “Dr. Riley Jr. has such a good bedside manner, so you instantly feel comfortable talking to him,” Courtney shared. “He never made me feel like this was all in my head or that I was making things up.”

Courtney was a talented gymnast until pain forced her to quit.

Courtney has 9 surgeries and many physical therapy sessions

Dr. Riley Jr. tried noninvasive treatments before suggesting surgery. “Courtney is easy to take care of because she is so pleasant, and she was willing to try everything conservative before we went the surgery route,” he said. “She complied with all of our treatment plan recommendations.”

Courtney underwent surgeries to fix joint damage and instability. “I had my first orthopedic surgery at age 16 to address my knee pain,” she said. “I have had both knees operated on twice, my right hip once, my left hip twice and both of my shoulders. Dr. Riley Jr. performed all 9 surgeries on me. They have always been successful, which is why I always felt safe with him.”

While Courtney faced one surgery after another, Dr. Riley Jr. kept searching for answers. “She had so many instability issues with different joints that we felt she should be tested for Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS),” he said.

Courtney gave an enthusiastic thumbs up after her first hip surgery.

EDS is a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues including joints, skin and blood vessel walls. People with EDS often have overly flexible joints, among other symptoms. “I had genetic testing through Akron Children’s in May 2024,” Courtney explained. “Because my type of EDS is hypermobility – my joints move beyond the normal range of motion – there isn’t a genetic marker for it. But through process of elimination and all my symptoms, we confirmed the diagnosis.”

Over the years, Courtney has worked hard with Physical Therapists Lauren Cicchillo and Nicole Bonenberger from Akron Children’s Sports Rehab in Warren. “Court is like working with a family member at this point,” Nicole said. “After surgery, we focus on regaining her range of motion and controlling pain. When it is appropriate, we move to more strength and stability work.”

Staying positive isn’t always easy, but Courtney fights through every challenge. “It helps that I have an amazing support system at home, a great surgeon I trust and an amazing place to recover at Akron Children’s Sports Rehab,” she said. “I also realized it’s OK not to be OK. Sometimes you need that day to feel sorry for yourself – as long as you bounce back and keep moving forward.”

Courtney honored her Akron Children’s care team by including their signatures in a tattoo.

Forever linked by Courtney’s ink

Dr. Riley Jr., Lauren and Nicole made such an impression that Courtney wanted to honor them in a unique way. She incorporated their signatures into a tattoo design.

“It was a complete surprise to me when she had my signature turned into a tattoo,” Lauren recalled. “I believe she asked me to sign a paper for her teacher, stating her restrictions at the time. When she then showed me her tattoo, I felt so honored!”

Looking ahead

At 24, Courtney has about a year left until she moves to an adult orthopedic surgeon. “I was fortunate to stay with Dr. Riley Jr. this long,” Courtney said. “He already assured me he would help me find a new surgeon and that I can always reach out to him with any questions I have.”

Courtney works at a preschool and calls the kids “a great form of medicine,” but she’d like to pursue a physical therapy career. “Hopefully, I can work at Akron Children’s one day and help kids who are dealing with the same thing I am,” she shared.

Courtney has a great bond with Dr. Patrick Riley Jr. and Physical Therapists Lauren Cicchillo and Nicole Bonenberger.

Lauren and Nicole have discussed a physical therapy career with Courtney. “She has been through many rounds of physical therapy due to her diagnosis,” Lauren said. “She could use all of this knowledge and experience going into her career.”

Nicole agrees that Courtney’s physical therapy career path makes perfect sense. “I give Courtney a lot of credit because she continues to push forward through her share of medical ups and downs,” she said. “It’s admirable that she has taken a really challenging portion of her life and plans to use it to help others.”