Hi Harleys Dad,
there are risks with every surgery which takes place, and yes there is always a risk of nerve damage. Having so said of course it only occurs in a minority of cases.
I was in exactly the same position as you with the disc totally gone at L5/S1 rubbing bone on bone and I can sympathise because it was amazingly painful. I hope things work out for you. Read my story may be?
best,
Alastair
