What do they replace them with? Hell Ronnie is already in a couple of million why would he cheap out now? 
Titanium disc replacement is a better option than fusion, fusion just pushes the stress to the surrounding area, which is also degenerated in Ronnies case, his spine and discs are collapsing like dominoes would make more sense to put in titanium discs and restore the height. Much more expensive option, maybe his health insurance doesn't cover it, but most ex contact sport guys have opted for replacement, or replacement and fusion. Ronnie's approach with medication, continued training philosophy and even choice of surgery is just train wreck material. He's doing everything wrong and not giving himself a chance of recovery.
