Joseph Legato, MD

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.