MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center First in California to Implement Advanced Spine Surgery Technology

Long Beach, Calif. — April 7, 2025 — MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has become the first hospital in California to adopt Stryker’s groundbreaking Q Guidance System with Spine Guidance Software, setting a new standard in spinal surgery through advanced surgical planning and computer-assisted navigation.

This state-of-the-art technology marks a major leap forward in spine care, enabling unparalleled precision in both open and minimally invasive procedures. By integrating sophisticated optical tracking, intelligent algorithms, and next-generation instrumentation, the Q Guidance System enhances every stage of surgery—from preoperative planning to intraoperative execution—while reducing surgery time and improving patient outcomes.

“The Q Guidance System with Spine Guidance Software truly streamlines every aspect of spine surgery,” said Dr. Brandon Ortega, spine surgeon at MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute. “This technology not only improves precision but also provides Long Beach Medical Center with customization capabilities that are needed to optimize outcomes for our patients.”

A standout feature of the Q Guidance System is its advanced proprietary camera, which supports both active and passive hybrid optical tracking. This allows surgeons to calibrate and register instruments in less than two seconds—saving valuable time in the operating room. Paired with the intuitive Spine Guidance Software, the system offers a modern, user-friendly interface and customizable dashboards that let surgeons tailor the system to their workflow.

Dr. Ortega emphasized the system’s flexibility and decision-making support: “When used with the Airo TruCT scanner, the Q Guidance System helps simplify intraoperative decision-making with its suggestion-based platform. Its intuitive and customizable software enables us to configure the system to fit our preferences.”

Designed with scalability and personalization in mind, the Q Guidance System supports a wide range of spinal procedures. Surgeons can take advantage of gesture recognition, integration with multiple screw systems, and a suite of customizable tools and instruments—making it easier to adapt to the unique needs of each case.

By being the first in California to implement this revolutionary system, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center continues to lead in surgical innovation and reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class, patient-centered care in spine surgery.

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