Hi, my grandma also needed spine surgery at 85 years old. All surgeries have risks, but I think if the doctors feel that the patient needs surgery, and they’ve explained why (usually because it presses on the nerves/may cause damage), then you might want to consider letting her go for it if the benefits outweigh the risks? It’s never an easy decision, because there are real risks involved.. for my grandma’s case, she would have been partially paralysed without it. Thank God her recovery was okay, and now she can move more (with the physio after surgery too).
I've never had a similar experience, or with my family, but I'd agree that it is definitely risky to have bone surgery at that age. There are a hundred things that could go wrong, and that's scary. But I think you should also weigh in the advice and recommendation of the doctor, and the personal wishes of your grandma. Or perhaps you can go for a second opinion. I know a skilled orthopaedic doctor in Mt Elizabeth, his name is Dr Alan Cheung of International Orthopaedic Clinic. Perhaps you and your grandma can consult with him too.