Who is Dr. Legato, Orthopedic Hand Surgeon in East Brunswick, NJ?
Dr. Joseph Legato is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in New Jersey, specializing in the treatment of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and elbow. He is a valued part of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team at Alliance Orthopedics, and one of our top hand specialists at our clinics in East Brunswick, Freehold, Old Bridge, and Union. Known for his precision and compassionate hand and wrist care, Dr. Legato brings advanced expertise in peripheral nerve injuries and microsurgery to every patient he treats.
He’s especially skilled in modern hand and wrist surgeries, such as Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT), a technique that allows for hand and wrist procedures without the need for general anesthesia or a tourniquet. He also offers minimally invasive options, such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release, wrist arthroscopy, and collagenase injections for Dupuytren’s contracture, helping patients recover with less pain and downtime.
What sets Dr. Legato apart is his genuine connection with patients and his understanding of how much hand and upper extremity injuries can impact daily life. He believes that the best hand and wrist care comes from tailoring treatment to the individual, restoring not just function, but also confidence and quality of life.
Before becoming an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Legato worked as an engineer, a background that continues to influence his approach today. His fascination with the complexity of the hand, wrist, and elbow inspired him to pursue a field where he could blend scientific problem-solving with patient care. “As a physician, I strive to be a scientist, engineer, and teacher all at once,” he says. “I love the challenge of solving complex problems while supporting patients as whole people.”
Outside of work, Dr. Legato enjoys spending time with his wife and children, reading good books, and cheering on Pittsburgh’s sports teams.
Dr. Joseph Legato, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Orthopedic Hand Surgeon known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array
of related conditions and procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Legato empowers
patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Elbow Surgery, Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, Wrist Surgery, and comprehensive
wellness support. Serving
the East Brunswick, NJ community, Dr. Legato is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
What languages does Dr. Legato speak?
Dr. Legato and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
What conditions does an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon like Dr. Legato typically treat?
As an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon, Dr. Legato diagnoses, treats, and manages
a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized
insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated
by Dr. Legato. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience
and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology here.
Also known as:
Right Hand Pain
Left Hand Pain
Hand Injuries and Disorder
Pain
Pain in right palm
Right wrist and hand pain
Right hand discomfort
Ache in left hand
Left hand discomfort
Sore left hand
ICD-10 Codes:
M79641: Pain in right hand
M79642: Pain in left hand
Also known as:
Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Right Wrist Nerve Compression
Right Hand Numbness
Right CTS
Left Wrist Nerve Compression
Left Hand Numbness
Left CTS
ICD-10 Codes:
G5601: Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb
G5602: Carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper limb
Also known as:
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Hand Injuries and Disorder
Tendinitis
De Quervain's Disease
Washerwoman's Sprain
Radial Styloid Tenosynovitis
ICD-10 Codes:
M654: Radial styloid tenosynovitis [de Quervain]
Also known as:
Right Wrist Pain
Pain
Wrist Injuries and Disorder
Aching right wrist
Sore right wrist
Right wrist discomfort
ICD-10 Codes:
M25531: Pain in right wrist
Also known as:
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Type 2
Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Adult-Onset Diabetes
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
ICD-10 Codes:
E119: Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
Also known as:
Arthritis in the Right Hand
Arthritis
Hand Injuries and Disorder
Hand Joint Inflammation
Right Hand Arthropathy
Hand Arthritis
ICD-10 Codes:
M13841: Other specified arthritis, right hand
What procedures does an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon like Dr. Legato typically perform?
As an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon, Dr. Legato performs a variety of medical procedures.
This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights
the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Legato. It provides insight
into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters
from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology here.
Also known as:
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery (Endoscopic)
Trigger Finger Release Surgery
Endoscopy
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Wrist Endoscopy for Carpal Tunnel
Transverse Carpal Ligament Release
Tendon Sheath Incision
Trigger Finger Tenolysis
Finger Tendon Release
Hand Tendon Surgery
CPT Codes:
29848: Endoscopy, wrist, surgical, with release of transverse carpal ligament
26055: Tendon sheath incision (eg, for trigger finger)
Also known as:
Finger or Thumb Fracture Fixation
Percutaneous phalangeal fixation
Unstable finger fracture repair
Thumb bone fracture treatment
CPT Codes:
26727: Percutaneous skeletal fixation of unstable phalangeal shaft fracture, proximal or middle phalanx, finger or thumb, with manipulation, each
64718: Neuroplasty and/or transposition; ulnar nerve at elbow
Does Dr. Legato accept my insurance?
Dr. Legato accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (732) 629-9305 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Legato accept in East Brunswick, NJ?
Dr. Legato in East Brunswick, NJ accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Would you like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Legato?
Dr. Legato has appointments available at his East Brunswick, NJ office, as well as 3 other locations. Please select a location, date, and time below.
What is Dr. Legato's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Legato's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1265813935.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Legato?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Legato
What is Dr. Joseph Legato's specialty?
Dr. Legato is a Orthopedic Hand Surgeon near East Brunswick, NJ.
What does an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon do?
An orthopaedic surgeon specializing in the upper extremity focuses on the investigation, preservation, and restoration of all structures affecting the form and function of the hand and wrist. This specialist employs medical, surgical, and rehabilitative techniques to treat various conditions and injuries related to the upper extremity.
Is this Dr. Joseph Legato affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Legato is affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center which are a Castle Connolly
Top Hospitals. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their
excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through
a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise.
The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the
top 25% nationwide.
Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on
EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find
the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and
more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Joseph Legato accepting new patients in East Brunswick, NJ?
Yes, Dr. Joseph Legato is accepting new patients at this time.
Dr. David Kirschenbaum, MD is an Orthopedic Trauma Specialist, who primarily practices in Freehold, NJ with 2 additional practice locations. He is board certified.
Dr. Renata Weber, MD is a Plastic Hand Surgeon, who primarily practices in Clifton, NJ with 2 additional practice locations. She has been practicing for over 22 years and is board certified.