Published on Jan. 21, 2026
When 75-year-old Marguerite began struggling to move around her own home, it wasn’t just frustrating—it was life-altering. As the primary caregiver for her husband, she found herself increasingly limited by pain and stiffness in her hip. The medication she was relying on offered only temporary relief. Ultimately, she knew something had to change. In order to continue to care for her husband, she knew she had to take care of herself first.
That change came in the form of a groundbreaking procedure at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center—the first hospital in the world to perform a robotic hip revision surgery using Stryker’s latest Mako Total Hip with 5.0 Advanced Primary and Revision application. Long Beach Medical Center also is the first in California to pair this technology with the Mako 4 SmartRobotics™ system and Q Guidance System, cementing its role as a global leader in advanced orthopedic care.
“I can highly recommend Long Beach Medical Center because the research I did showed me what they are capable of doing,” said Marguerite. “I was extremely peaceful before the surgery. It was so necessary to have it done—and because I had already met with Dr. Wassef for my first hip replacement, I felt very confident.”
The Growing Need for Hip Revision Surgery
As more people undergo hip replacement surgery earlier in life, the need for revision procedures is steadily increasing. Over time, artificial implants can wear down, loosen, or cause complications like leg length discrepancies, stiffness, and even infection.
“Hip revision is exactly what it sounds like—a revision, replacing the current hip with new parts,” explained Andrew Wassef, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and medical director of the Joint Replacement Center at the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Long Beach Medical Center. “There are multiple reasons someone might need one: mechanical issues, pain, instability, or the simple fact that the original implant has worn out over time.”
Unlike a standard hip replacement, which typically involves replacing damaged cartilage and bone with an implant, revision surgery is much more complex. Surgeons must navigate previous hardware, scar tissue, and often compromised bone quality—factors that demand both careful planning and a high level of precision.
Robotic Technology Transforms Hip Revision Surgery
Traditional surgical methods, even with CT scans and X-rays, often involved some guesswork during the operation. That is no longer the case, thanks to the integration of Mako 5.0 technology, Mako 4 SmartRobotics™, and the Q Guidance System.
“We can template everything ahead of time,” said Dr. Wassef. “We know what implant size, what angle, what orientation we’re going to use. We can plan for every defect and understand what we are dealing with before we even begin the surgery.”
This advanced planning process uses 3D modeling to create a highly accurate, personalized surgical strategy. During the procedure itself, the Q Guidance System tracks the patient’s anatomy in real time. The robotic arm assists the surgeon in executing the plan with pinpoint precision.
“The robotic arm enables us to achieve pinpoint precision every time. It allows us to place the implant exactly as it was templated, which improves outcomes and reduces complications.”
= Dr. Wassef
Patient-Centered Orthopedic Care
For patients like Marguerite, the results go far beyond surgical precision—they also reflect a deeper level of compassionate care and partnership.
“Dr. Wassef’s approach was a lot better than some of the other surgeons I have dealt with,” said Marguerite. “He came to my bedside to say ‘hello, how are you?’ It immediately made me feel comfortable and like I was in good hands.”
This level of attention is part of what sets Long Beach Medical Center apart. The MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute is known for its comprehensive approach to orthopedic care—from state-of-the-art technology to pre- and post-surgical support that helps patients feel confident, informed, and empowered.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Hip Revision Surgery
The new robotic revision technique offers significant benefits for patients compared to traditional methods:
- Smaller, more precise incisions
- Reduced pain and discomfort post-op
- Faster recovery time
- Improved implant alignment and joint function
- Lower risk of complications or repeat surgeries
“These are tough surgeries,” Dr. Wassef said. “Having the ability to plan and execute with such a high level of accuracy is not only revolutionary—it’s a huge win for our patients.”
One Step Towards a Pain-Free Life
After her surgery, Marguerite has a message for others who might be suffering through pain and mobility issues: don’t wait.
“Don’t wait to get help until you can’t walk any longer,” she said. “Medication for me was not a long-term solution. It just obscures the problem.”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that staying ahead of pain and seeking expert orthopedic care early can significantly improve quality of life. As well as a reminder that it’s hard to take care of others, if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Marguerite is back on her feet and ready to live her life pain-free again—an outcome she credits to the innovation and expertise of Dr. Wassef and the Long Beach Medical Center team.
Driving the Future of Orthopedic Innovation
As the first surgeon in the world to perform robotic hip revision using this combination of technologies, Dr. Wassef knows the importance of forward-thinking leadership in health care.
“If we could have seen 10 years ago what we are now able to do, it would have been mind-blowing,” he said. “And to be the first says a lot about how Long Beach Medical Center understands that new and innovative technology helps us take care of patients with some really tough problems.”
This achievement reflects not only the hospital’s technological excellence but its commitment to investing in what matters most—patient outcomes.
“I’m grateful that Long Beach Medical Center has a vision and supports the work to provide the best care to the surrounding community,” Dr. Wassef added.
A Global First, A Local Impact
By combining innovative technology with compassionate, personalized care, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is setting a new global standard in joint revision surgery. The hospital’s successful robotic hip revision using Mako 5.0 and Q Guidance is more than a milestone—it demonstrates what’s possible when advanced techniques meet dedicated orthopedic expertise.
At the MemorialCare Orthopedic and Spine Institute patients benefit from a rapid rehabilitation program, often walking the same day as surgery and going home sooner than the national average. Comprehensive post-operative care—including tailored physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized rehabilitation—ensures that patients like Marguerite have the best chance at mobility, independence, and life on their terms. Supported by a collaborative team, Long Beach Medical Center delivers exceptional outcomes and remains a trusted destination for complex joint revision procedures.