hi, As mentioned by you the brief history, you didnt mention which area the cord is getting compressed. also You havent mentioned that what symptoms he is facing. Based on the region and the symptoms the next plan of treatment is decided or advised. Since you want to know what sort of surgery is performed - it will be excision of the osteophytes. That is all i can say for now. As you havent mentioned the level giving a precise idea on the surgery process will be difficult. As the osteophytes may be present on any side of the spinal cord and based on the location of the osteophyte the approach of the surgery is planned. Also, surgery in the lumbar or cervical region any where is not an easy process, understanding that the surgery which involves the spine needs to be a careful decision as the spine is the major structure of the human body. I wish you can undergo a physical therapy and reduce the symptoms and avoid the surgery, but if the symptoms are uncontrolled than the surgery is of choice. I have personally seen many cases of spine with many complexes, but till date havent allowed my any patient to undergo spinal surgery, we followed a long process and made the spine stronger. Also, we never came across loss of faith, because having a discussion with my patients who were already recommended surgery, a good exercise plan is made and its been years now, but no surgery. This is my personal experience. Regards Jay Indravadan Patel