Andrew R. Leggett, MD

Dr. Andrew R. Leggett is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in advanced spine surgery with a focus on cervical and lumbar fusions. He is completing the Louis A. Goldstein Spine Fellowship at the University of Rochester, training under leaders in complex and minimally invasive techniques. After his orthopaedic residency at Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Leggett returned home to New Jersey to provide patients with precise, evidence-based care for neck and back conditions.

His philosophy emphasizes conservative treatment first whenever possible, followed by surgical intervention when necessary — using minimally invasive approaches to speed recovery and improve outcomes .

Education

• Spine Surgery Fellowship: Louis A. Goldstein Spine Fellowship, University of Rochester (Aug 2024–Aug 2025)
• Orthopaedic Surgery Residency: Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ (Jul 2019–Jul 2024)
• Doctor of Medicine: Medical University of South Carolina (2015–2019)
• Bachelor of Arts: Duke University (2009–2013)

Expertise

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
• Lumbar Fusion Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS)
• Degenerative Disc Disease, Radiculopathy, Myelopathy, Spinal Trauma

(Dr. Leggett does not perform kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, scoliosis surgery, or pediatric procedures.)

Research & Publications

Dr. Leggett has published and presented nationally on topics such as spine surgery safety, infection prevention strategies, and bone tumor management. His work appears in journals including Diagnostics, International Journal of Spine Surgery, and Spine Deformity.

Selected Publications

• Leggett AR, Berg AR, Hullinger H, Benevenia JB. Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Giant Cell Tumor of the Spine: Update on Current Management Strategies. Diagnostics. 2022.
• Shin JI, Leggett AR, Berg AR, Harris CB, Merchant AM, Vives MJ. Enhanced Risk Stratification for Short-Term Complications Following Vertebral Augmentation for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures. Int J Spine Surg. 2023.
• Ence AK, Leggett AR, et al. Implant prominence and flexor tendon rupture in distal radial fractures… Current Orthopaedic Practice. 2020.

(These studies reflect academic research and do not indicate clinical offerings outside of his stated expertise.)

Memberships & Certifications

• Member, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (since 2019)
• Member, American Medical Association (since 2015)
• New Jersey Medical Permit (since 2020)
• BLS & ACLS Certified
• ABOS Board Eligible; anticipated certification 2025

Insurance

Dr. Leggett participates with a wide range of insurance plans. Because coverage varies, patients are encouraged to call the office to confirm acceptance of their specific plan.

Personal

Outside of medicine, Dr. Leggett enjoys golf, fly fishing, international travel, and reading both fiction and non-fiction. He is also an active volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation .