Published on Sept. 15, 2026
If you’ve been living with back or neck pain and conservative treatments—such as physical therapy, pain management or lifestyle changes—and haven’t gotten lasting relief, more advanced care may be needed. MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Long Beach Medical Center delivers advanced spine care that is both close to home and miles ahead in innovation and outcomes.
At MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, surgeons use robotic‑assisted and computer‑guided navigation technologies—including ExcelsiusGPS and Stryker Q Guidance with CoPilot—to enhance surgical precision, reduce disruption to surrounding tissue and support recovery.
“Robotic and navigation technology allow us to plan surgery in advance and execute that plan with a high degree of precision,” said Amandeep Bhalla, M.D., medical director, Spine Health Center, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Long Beach Medical Center. “That level of accuracy is especially important in spine surgery, where even small deviations can impact stability, nerve function and long‑term outcomes.”
ExcelsiusGPS is a robotic‑assisted system that works much like a GPS of a car, but for spine surgery. It scans a patient’s unique anatomy and helps surgeons map out an exact surgical pathway before the procedure begins. During surgery, the system helps guide instruments along that planned route, improving accuracy while minimizing disruption to nearby muscles and tissue.
“One of the major benefits of robotic assistance is the ability to perform complex spine procedures through smaller incisions,” Dr. Bhalla said. “That often results in less pain, reduced blood loss and a smoother recovery for patients.”
In addition to robotic assistance, surgeons also use Stryker Q Guidance with CoPilot, a navigation system that provides a real‑time, three‑dimensional view of the spine during surgery. This leading tech allows surgeons to see exactly where they are at every moment, helping them confirm placement within sub millimeter accuracy and adjust immediately if needed.
“Navigation systems like Q Guidance with CoPilot help us know exactly where we are at every step of the procedure,” Dr. Bhalla said. “That extra visibility supports safer surgery and more consistent outcomes.”
Together, these technologies support minimally invasive spine surgery, an approach that has become increasingly preferred for conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and spinal instability. Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques often involve smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
By improving accuracy and preserving healthy tissue, robotic and navigation technologies also support better long‑term results, helping protect structures that are essential for movement and function.
At MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, advanced spine technology is part of a comprehensive, patient‑centered approach. Care typically begins with nonsurgical options whenever appropriate, with surgery considered only when other treatments no longer provide relief. When surgery is needed, these advanced tools help ensure care is as precise and personalized as possible.
The continued adoption of advanced spine technologies reflects MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute’s commitment to innovation, quality and patient‑focused care at Long Beach Medical Center—helping patients return to movement, independence and everyday life.
Learn more about MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute.
