Does anybody know in more detail which disk in Plushy's spine has ruptured?
I am really curious now because I have this injury too - but from riding horses, not skating. It's not uncommon in older people who have always lifted heavy loads or are athletic and active, but Plushy is only 29 and the force of all those magnificent jumps has caught up to him early in life, unfortunately. The first thing my surgeon told me when he discovered this problem was NO JUMPING (or riding horses) because I would be risking further injury if I did anything to shock my spine. But from what I understand, much of the success with this surgery depends on where in the back an injury occurs and which nerves are effected. (Mine is high and I'm guessing Plushy's is lower down.) I'm trying not to be too worried about him but I can't help it. Even the simplest surgery has its risks.
Still, Evgeni and his doctors must be confident they can help him or they wouldn't risk an operation. I'm sure Plushy will be fine and come through it OK because he is young and otherwise very healthy. Plus, he has chosen good doctors who are experts in this procedure. So I will wish him well, say prayers for him, and be optimistic.
The worst case would probably be that the surgery will make no difference for him one way or the other. My surgeons advised me that, for many people with badly herniated disks, surgery brings little or no improvement and there is still pain afterward. He told me not to set my expectations too high. But every case is unique, of course - and I am no Plushenko! Still, I hope & pray this repair will be completely successful in ending any suffering Evgeni has had from this problem. Like all of you, I want most for him to be happy - and since he wants it so badly - to continue on his Sochi Quest without risk of sacrificing his future health for it.