How a college basketball player’s common infection led to emergency spinal surgery
Maranda Nyborg, a Division I student athlete at Fordham University, experienced a health scare that changed the course of her junior year and basketball season in 2022-2023. What started as a routine case of strep throat quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation when Nyborg developed a spinal epidural abscess, a rare complication of a common illness.
Dr. Andrew Chan, a neurosurgical spine surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian, was called in to operate on Nyborg as soon as she was diagnosed with the abscess. This type of infection occurs when bacteria from the mouth enter the sterile area around the spinal cord, causing weakness, numbness, and potentially serious neurological damage. Despite being a healthy and active individual, Nyborg’s case was a rare occurrence of infection with a specific bacteria known as Fusobacterium necrophorum.
The surgery to remove the abscess was crucial for Nyborg’s recovery, but there was concern about the impact it could have on her athletic career. Typically, a laminectomy procedure would be performed to decompress the abscess, but Chan opted for a modified surgery called a hemi-laminectomy. This approach preserved the ligaments at the bottom of Nyborg’s neck, ensuring she could regain the strength and stability needed to return to competitive basketball.
Following the successful surgery, Nyborg faced a long road to recovery that included physical therapy and gradual reintroduction to physical activities. Three months post-surgery, she was able to resume gym workouts and weightlifting. Another three months later, she started basketball drills to practice essential skills. By the time the 2023-2024 season rolled around, Nyborg was cleared to return to competitive play and joined Bryant University for her graduate studies.
Despite the setbacks caused by the surgery, Nyborg remained determined to pursue her passion for basketball. With two years of extra eligibility in the NCAA due to pandemic interruptions and her medical ordeal, she made a remarkable comeback on the court. Playing for Bryant University in the 2024-2025 season, Nyborg scored 19 points in multiple games without any back pain or complications from the surgery.
As she looks forward to her final year of collegiate basketball, Nyborg reflects on the challenges she overcame and the resilience that carried her through. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the support of a dedicated medical team in overcoming adversity and achieving success both on and off the court.
