TOPS back surgery, an alternative to spinal fusion, available in Colorado

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) — A first-of-its-kind back surgery that just got federal approval is now available to patients in Colorado, and radio host Tom Martino was the first in the state to get the procedure. 

The consumer advocate is now back to work and feeling much better.

“It is such a relief,” Martino said.

The Troubleshooter, as he’s called, said he had arthritis and lower back pain for years, and sometimes it was excruciating.

“It got to a point where I was on crutches every now and then, or my legs would give out. I was scared,” he said.

But instead of a spinal fusion, which limits mobility, Martino opted for something new, which just won approval from the Food and Drug…