Published on Oct. 22, 2026
For residents of Downey, Whittier and surrounding communities, access to advanced spine care is within reach. Just south of the 405 is the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, which combines specialized spine expertise with minimally invasive surgical techniques, advanced navigation and imaging technology to provide patients with a range of treatment options.
The MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute takes an individualized approach to care, using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. Traditional open spine surgery may require a larger incision and more extensive muscle retraction to reach the spine. Minimally invasive approaches use specialized instruments and smaller working corridors to access the affected area while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. Depending on the condition and procedure, surgeons may use tubular retractors, specialized microscopic techniques or other minimally invasive approaches.
“Many patients are surprised to learn how much spine surgery has evolved. Today, we have more options to choose a procedure that fits each patient’s unique situation. At MemorialCare, we focus on treating the underlying condition while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible and using technology to help us perform the procedure with precision.”
- Jesse Caballero, M.D., spine surgeon at MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Long Beach Medical Center
Advanced navigation and imaging can complement these surgical approaches by supporting surgical planning and accurate placement of instruments and implants. Long Beach Medical Center was the first hospital in California to use Stryker’s Q Guidance® System with CoPilot® AI, which combines advanced imaging, optical tracking and real-time navigation to support accuracy and efficiency during spine surgery.
Together with Airo TruCT® Mobile Imaging, these tools provide detailed information about a patient’s individual spinal anatomy, helping surgeons develop a surgical roadmap and navigate procedures. The technology supplements the surgeon’s judgment and provides additional information to guide instrument and implant placement.
“These technologies give us more information before and during surgery,” Dr. Caballero said. “That helps us make informed decisions in the operating room and tailor the procedure to each patient’s anatomy and specific needs.”
For patients in Downey, Whittier and nearby communities, having specialized spine care within the region can make it easier to seek an evaluation when back or neck pain begins interfering with work, family life or everyday activities. Care at the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute begins with a comprehensive evaluation, and surgery is not always the first or best option. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include physical therapy, rehabilitation, pain management, image-guided injections or other nonsurgical approaches.
When surgery is appropriate, patients have access to minimally invasive, complex, multilevel and revision spine procedures supported by a multidisciplinary team of spine specialists and advanced technology.
Appropriately selected patients may go home the same day after certain one- and two-level spine operations. When a procedure involves multiple surgical steps, thoughtful planning may also allow treatment to be completed in one operative session, avoiding a separate return to the operating room and another anesthetic. These options can mean less disruption for patients and families.
“For appropriately selected patients, minimally invasive techniques may contribute to less postoperative discomfort and a smoother recovery,” Dr. Caballero said. “The key is that every patient is different. We choose the approach that best addresses their condition, with the goal of helping them regain function and return to the activities that matter most.”
Learn more about MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute.
Medically review by:
Jesse Caballero, M.D., spine surgeon, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Long Beach Medical Center
About the Author:
Dr. Jesse J. Caballero is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon who specializes in spine disorders at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Care in Long Beach, CA. He received his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and residency in orthopaedic surgery where he honed his skills at diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders & served as chief, department of orthopaedic surgery, morbidity & mortality. He then completed a fellowship in spine surgery at the Hoag Orthopaedic Institute in Newport Beach, CA. Dr. Caballero’s focus is to improve patient outcomes through a combination of non-operative solutions, minimally invasive surgical techniques and compassionate care across a range of spine conditions. He utilizes motion preserving implants, spinal navigation and robotic technology, when appropriately indicated, to ensure the most effective outcomes.