[orthodoc]

If the surgeon is steering your fil away from surgery, I would give his opinion a lot of weight. Sometimes a good outcome is just too unlikely; other times the concern is focused on existing medical conditions that make surgery a very risky proposition. It's possible to assess a person and predict fairly accurately that he/she won't tolerate anesthesia and will be unable to come off the ventilator. In your fil's case, the surgeon appears to be basing his advice on what the MRI shows.

If a brace plus pain meds will make life bearable (if not completely comfortable), it's worth careful consideration. Surgery is painful, rehab is prolonged, and results (with spines) are not guaranteed. That said, it's horrible to watch someone you love in pain. My sympathy and best wishes to all involved.