Stanford fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon · Hip & knee reconstruction · Long Beach, CA
Medical care has changed dramatically in the last decade. Dr. Leo Zalikha builds his practice around that reality by using today’s most advanced techniques and technology.
A Stanford fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Zalikha specializes in the surgical and nonsurgical care of hip and knee conditions. His practice spans the full spectrum of joint replacement: from straightforward primary hip and knee replacements to complex revisions, infected implants, and periprosthetic fractures that other surgeons may not feel equipped to handle.
Dr. Zalikha emphasizes modern approaches like direct anterior total hip arthroplasty when appropriate, robotic-assisted joint replacement, and layered, cosmetic-minded closure techniques designed to support healing and an aesthetic scar.
Dr. Zalikha’s background combines advanced orthopaedic training, published research, and fellowship training at Stanford in adult reconstruction and through the Anterior Hip Foundation. His approach to hip and knee replacement emphasizes surgical precision, tissue preservation, and a carefully planned recovery.
Dr. Leo Zalikha graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science, supported by multiple academic scholarships, including the Hazen E. Nutter Scholarship, Dean’s Scholar (awarded annually to one student), HHMI Science for Life, and Florida Bright Futures.
Before medical school, he completed research fellowships in Japan and Germany, working in high-output academic environments and developing a bias toward measurable results, clean methodology, and decision-making grounded in data.
Dr. Zalikha scored in the 100th percentile on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), as per his official score report, and earned his MD from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine on a full-tuition scholarship.
He completed orthopaedic surgery residency at the Detroit Medical Center / Wayne State University, training across multiple hospitals with heavy exposure to major trauma, penetrating injuries, and complex fracture care.
Dr. Zalikha then completed fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction at Stanford Medicine, mastering advanced techniques for the country’s most challenging cases. He was also appointed a Clinical Instructor at Stanford Medicine, with active teaching, academic, and operating roles.
Selected as an Anterior Hip Foundation Traveling Fellow — a competitive national distinction in direct anterior hip surgery. The fellowship brings a hand-picked group of surgeons inside the country’s premier hip-replacement centers to operate and exchange the most advanced anterior techniques alongside the renowned surgeons who pioneered and lead the approach — keeping Dr. Zalikha’s practice at the cutting edge of modern hip replacement.
Dr. Zalikha does not believe in a paternalistic approach to medicine. He presents the options honestly, explains the evidence behind each one, and makes the decision together with the patient. Every person’s anatomy, bone quality, activity level, and goals are different. The treatment plan should reflect that.
Unless the clinical picture clearly calls for surgery, Dr. Zalikha starts with conservative management: physical therapy, activity modification, weight optimization, and appropriate injections. Surgery is a tool, not a default.
Dr. Zalikha performs hip replacements through the direct anterior approach because it spares muscles and allows faster recovery. He uses robotic-assisted technology for both hip and knee replacements because it improves implant positioning accuracy. He closes every wound with a meticulous, layered technique, treating soft tissues the way a plastic surgeon would, because the details of closure affect healing, scarring, and how a patient feels about their result.
Dr. Zalikha does not receive payment from implant companies to use their products. He recommends the implants and techniques he would choose for himself or his own family. There is no pay to play.
A joint replacement is not a short-term fix. Dr. Zalikha plans every case with the 10- and 20-year future in mind, considering the patient’s bone quality, activity demands, and the possibility that a revision may someday be needed. Choices made during a primary replacement directly affect what options are available later.
Dr. Zalikha has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in orthopedic surgery and arthroplasty. His work has been cited hundreds of times by researchers around the world, contributing to the evidence base for how joint replacements are performed and how outcomes are measured.
He has presented research at national meetings, including the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), and remains committed to exploring innovations that can improve patient care.
Dr. Zalikha performs surgery at three facilities across Southern California:
A major medical center in Long Beach providing advanced surgical capabilities, comprehensive nursing care, and a dedicated joint replacement program.
An outpatient surgery center equipped for same-day joint replacement procedures, allowing eligible patients to recover at home the day of surgery.
A premier outpatient surgery center featuring one of the most technologically advanced surgical suites in Southern California, designed for minimally invasive and same-day procedures.
Both facilities are conveniently located near Dr. Zalikha’s office at 2760 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806.
Dr. Zalikha’s patients are encouraged to share their experiences. Reviews can be found on Google and other review platforms. His goal is for every patient to feel heard, well-informed, and confident in their care from the first visit through full recovery.
“Dr. Zalikha was excellent at explaining my condition, the options, risks and benefits of a hip replacement. I trust what he says based on his professionalism and demeanor.”
“Dr. Z made me feel very comfortable moving forward with this invasive procedure (hip replacement), mostly due to his knowledge, experience and willingness to patiently answer my questions in ways that I could understand.”
“My experience with Dr. Zalikha was excellent. I was very happy how he took the time to go over my concerns. He did diagnose a partially ruptured hamstring and ordered PT for [eight] weeks. Already feeling better. Thank you Dr Zalikha.”
“Dr. took his time with me. He is a good listener and is soft spoken. I like that he doesn’t rush into surgery and will try an injection first. He is trustworthy.”
“Was patient and answered all my questions and explained the situation in detail and potential next steps.”
“He was very personable and very helpful to my situation which my knee issue.”
Dr. Zalikha practices with Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group in Long Beach, California. The team includes experienced clinical staff dedicated to making every step of the process, from scheduling through post-operative recovery, as smooth as possible.
Patients can expect responsive communication, clear pre-operative and post-operative instructions, and coordinated care between the office, the surgical facility, and outpatient therapy.
Request an appointment with Dr. Zalikha or call (562) 362-5024. For patients outside the Long Beach area, a virtual second opinion is available.
