That was 13 years ago. There are a lot of things medicine doesn't do now that they used to do (bloodletting, ice pick lobotomies, ingesting mercury, thalidomide for pregnant women.... ) Yes, I'm exaggerating (somewhat), but medical practices do change.

TODAY, many are concerned about Failed Back Syndrome.

There is also an issue of corrosion of spinal implants, which isn't necessarily age-related, but... "Corrosion has been reported on retrieved spinal implants for a number of years." -- Spinal Implants: Are We Evaluating Them Appropriately?, Issue 1431
See also: Long-term results from Lumbar Spinal Fusion beginning at post #34.

Everyone's case is different -- nay -- unique. Lots of variables, and no "one-size-fits-all". Some doctors (mine included) are now of the opinion that the benefits of some spine surgeries do not outweigh the risks, and ther outcomes are often no better than PT/less-invasive therapies. There will always be surgeons willing to take the risk (and fees), but we patients are inevitably the ones who will have to live (and possibly suffer) with the results.

Personally, I side with the more conservative opinions, but as I said, there are many many variables, and every situation is different. It wouldn't take much (more pain, threat of paralysis, etc) to convince me to consider the knife, but I'd investigate more thoroughly than anything I've done before, get multiple opinions, and assemble the best team I could find. Surgery cannot be undone.

Doc