Meet Dr. Leonardelli

Dr. Leonardelli’s impressive career started at Creighton University School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree. He continued his training with an orthopedic surgery residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and completed his fellowship at the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center at Thomas Jefferson University. His areas of special interest include fractures, arthroscopy, nerve injuries, ligamentous and tendinous conditions, compressive neuropathies and complex upper extremity injuries.

With years of experience in the field, Dr. Leonardelli holds board certifications from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has a subspecialty certificate in Surgery of the Hand. He is also affiliated with several professional organizations, including:

• The American Orthopaedic Association
• The American Society for Surgery of the Hand
• The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
• The Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons

Extensive Military Background

Dr. Leonardelli proudly served as an orthopedic surgeon in the United States Navy for 15 years, culminating in over 20 years of service upon his retirement in 2024. Throughout his military career, he had the distinct honor of working with and caring for our nation’s heroes and their families. This experience provided him with a vast array of complex cases, which he now brings to our practice with confidence.

Dr. Leonardelli’s service included both overseas and stateside assignments, along with participation in several humanitarian missions. Notably, he deployed on the USNS Mercy in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and was a member of the Navy’s Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS) team. From 2016 to 2024, he served on the teaching staff at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, where he taught and conducted research with residents, medical students and physician’s assistants and was presented with awards in teaching and leadership.

Additionally, Dr. Leonardelli co-authored several journal articles and book chapters on the optimal treatment of various orthopedic conditions and served as the Chair of the Naval Medical Center San Diego’s medical staff from 2021 to 2022, representing over 1500 licensed independent providers throughout the Navy’s San Diego medical enterprise. He also proudly held the position of Academic Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the same center.

Before pursuing a career in medicine, Dr. Leonardelli served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy, completing three deployments on the USS Pearl Harbor and USS Chosin, serving as Navigator and Assistant Chief Engineer, respectively.

Workers’ Compensation Expertise

In addition to his military and medical qualifications, Dr. Leonardelli has significant expertise in evaluating workers’ compensation clients for musculoskeletal conditions. He provides comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, treatment recommendations and impairment ratings based on various American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines.

A Unique Approach to Patient Care

Dr. Leonardelli believes that the hands are our interface with the world, used for creating art, caring for loved ones and completing daily tasks. This belief drives his passion for hand and wrist surgery, as he aims to help patients restore their quality of life. His comprehensive and compassionate approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs.

Philosophy and Commitment

Dr. Leonardelli is committed to delivering the highest standards of care and staying at the forefront of advancements in orthopedic surgery. Outside the operating room, he enjoys boating, motorcycle riding, hiking, camping, cooking, reading and playing guitar. These hobbies not only help him relax but also remind him of the importance of maintaining hand health, a message he instills in his patients.

Join Us in Welcoming Dr. Leonardelli

Dr. Leonardelli is available for patient consultations and treatments at our Merrill, Plover and Rib Mountain locations. Whether you are experiencing pain or injury of the hand, wrist or elbow, Dr. Leonardelli is here to provide expert care and help restore your quality of living.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience firsthand the exceptional care Dr. Leonardelli provides. Schedule your appointment today and join us in welcoming him to the Bone & Joint team. We are confident that his extensive expertise and compassionate approach will make a significant positive impact on our community’s musculoskeletal health.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to serving you with the highest standards of orthopedic care.