Workers' Compensation Doctor

Why Choose Dr. Gatto?

We specialize in diagnosing and treating work-related spinal injuries, providing effective care for optimal recovery. We simplify the workers’ compensation process, reducing stress and ensuring proper claim documentation. Our team emphasizes clear communication and advocates for your best interests, offering continuous support and guidance. We collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and effective rehabilitation process, designed to safely return you to work and daily life.

Charles A. Gatto, MD

Chief Spine Surgeon

“Dr. Gatto is a skillful and caring surgeon. He is patient and takes his time during appointments, surgical prep, and post-surgery family discussions. I would strongly recommend Dr. Gatto.”

Awards for Excellence in Patient Care & Surgical Outcomes

Dr. Gatto has been consistently recognized for his exceptional surgical skills and compassionate patient care. He’s been named among “America’s Top Physicians” in spine surgery annually since 2006 by the Consumers Research Council of America. Additionally, he’s been honored as a “New Jersey’s Choice Top Doctor” from 2015 to 2018 by fellow physicians. Dr. Gatto is also a respected member of Healthgrades.com’s Honor Roll, signifying his impeccable surgical competence and clean record for over five years.

Comprehensive Care

When you choose Dr. Gatto for your work-related spinal injury, you’re choosing a pathway to comprehensive care and unwavering support throughout your workers’ compensation process. You’re not just getting medical treatment; you’re receiving a dedicated partner committed to your health and successful recovery.

Patient Testimonials

    
 
 
        
   Donald Slade 
 2023-10-20
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Gatto addressed what could have been paralysis and significant pain in my left arm running down from my neck which would affect the rest of my life.  This is life changing.

Approximately 10-12 weeks prior to surgery I started have numb feelings and severe discomfort down my left arm originating in my neck.  This quickly became catastrophic as 90% of the strength, coordination, and feeling in the arm was lost.  Dr. Gatto quickly and accurately assessed the situation, ordered the right testing, and performed a long and complicated procedure.  He also had to manage me, which is not easy as I am not a great patient.  But he inspires an unusual high level of confidence which made it easy to do what had to be done.,

I am currently still in the hospital on Day 2, post-surgical, and the numb sensation is decreasing significantly, and the strength and coordination are returning quickly.  As said above, this is life changing.  I'm a 65 year old man and competitive sport is an important part of my life.  After working with D. Gatto, I can once again can look forward to a high quality and active life.

I don't post recommendations as a rule, but this was extraordinary.  And that is the highest level recommendation I can give.  Dr. Gatto has earned it!
  
 
       
   Dan Mede 
 2023-10-04
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Circa late 2,000’s I was told by two out of three surgeons that I need to have my spines fused together…. Dr. Gatto was the only one emphasized that I do not need such surgery, rather a physical therapy only, however, to minimize the inflammation he recommended I get spinal injection of anti-inflammation corticosteroid (if I recall correctly), I did what he recommended and post physical therapy, when I was able to, I used inversion table, I was able to walk and later even jug.. I advertise his name to many of my employees, family and friends that we need more doctors like him and why they should see him.  Although he is an incredibly bright man, a graduate from a fantastic university, I appreciate doctors like him because he is not motivated by greed, sadly most surgeons have become. He is truly and genuinely into patient care, as doctors should be, he makes decisions that are in best interests of his patients.  Such surgeons are rare and deserves absolute respect and publicity to pressure the industry to train surgeons to follow his role model.
Sincerely
Dr. Hudan D Safarpour “Mede”
  
 
       
   T. Biondi 
 2023-06-06
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After a boating accident I had a broken L1 and went Morristown memorial ICU. Dr. Gatto was the on-call surgeon and after reviewing my X-rays & MRI he felt surgery was very necessary but also wanted to review with his partner, Dr. Naseef, who would be performing surgery w him. Since this was an emergency surgery I was not able to choose my surgeon and was concerned since I had no experience with Dr. Gatto or Naseef. I asked a long time nurse working on the spine floor about Dr. Gatto and her response was if she needed spine surgery, Dr. Gatto would be her first choice.
Dr. Gatto was very kind & empathetic while sitting by my bedside & explaining surgery in detail. He patiently answered all of my questions, which were many. I wanted to learn all I could about the surgery so he gave me specific information to google. After surgery, Dr. Gatto explained his surgery in detail. At every check-up appt he has been very attentive &  taken the time necessary.  I have had no back issues since!
  
 
       
   Martin Hogan 
 2023-06-06
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had been struggling with the gradual decline of my low back and the increasing associated symptoms.  The Advanced Spine Center was recommended to my by a few colleagues whom each had extremely positive outcomes.
I called on a Weds. to see about an appointment which was scheduled for 3 weeks away.  An hour later, the scheduler called to see if I could come in sooner, due to the nerve involvement I was experiencing. That rescheduled appointment was set for 2 days later with Dr. Gatto.
Once there, I was seen promptly by Dr. Gatto. He was warm, compassionate and interested in hearing my personal experience with the low back pain and associated symptoms.
Although I had been treated with an Epidural at a different Orthopedic group, Dr. Gatto read the imagining with a keener understanding and saw a more complicated and concerning issue(s). He was not rushed and spent 90 mins with me combing over the x-ray's and MRI's.  (He even meet with my wife and I on the following Monday to explain his findings with imaging to ensure her comfort with the care plan.)
My surgical experience was on par with the highest of standards.  Upon regaining awareness post surgery, I could feel the symptomatic discomfort I had been experiencing had dissipated.
My hospitalization, treatment and recovery followed suit with the high standards one can hope for. I was followed every day with personal visits from the Spine Center Team. They too were quite personable, compassionate, inquisitive of how I felt, if I needed anything and answered all my questions.
It was more than obvious to me that the Spine Center Team and the nursing unit I was assigned to have a tremendous synergy. The confidence, and competence of the entire Spine Center Team, Nurses, Patient Care Techs, Physical Therapists and Environmental Services all enhance the level of sophisticated care they collectively provide.
From my initial call, to completion of surgery was one week. I could not ask for more prompt service.
As you can probably surmise by now, I had an excellent experience and outcome.  I am grateful to Dr. Gatto for the return of my health.
  
 
       
   Stephen brody 
 2023-05-27
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Over the last six months I suffered with severe spinal stenosis. Basically, I couldn’t walk ten steps without upper body being  completely horizontal.
I interviewed a cadre of spine doctors which gave me the same diagnosis. Which was severe spinal stenosis and DDD of L3.
Some doctors wanted to do minimally invasive surgery which in theory sounds great but I believe it was only going to be a short term fix. When I went to see Dr. GATTO he explained that its wasn’t going to be a quick fix and I needed this and that, basically straight forward and honest, take it or leave it. Fast forward, I had the surgery fusing L3 to L4along with spacer to allow space for the bundle of nerves that were being squeezed, along with something to do with S1. Dr.Gatto team were organized and completely professional. The operation was a complete success and I can be more grateful to Dr gatto and his team. Btw- on my journey to get pre surgicyapproval some many people knew doctor Gatto and reassured me I was in good hands.
  
 
       
   Tecia Bulle 
 2023-05-09
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an appointment with Dr. Gatto for a second opinion for lumbar fusion surgery. I didn't have to wait long to be seen.  I met with Dr. Lohman (Physician assistant) first. Very friendly and listened to all of my concerns. She pulled up my MRI's and thoroughly  reviewed them with me. I then met with Dr. Gatto, very pleasant and knowledgeable. He also went over my MRI and stated, that surgery wasn't required at the present time. That there are other options. After being told by another physician that surgery was the only option. I appreciate Dr. Gatto and Dr. Lohman for their honesty. Not just telling me it's not needed,but explaining why.
  
 
       
   Marcy Rattay 
 2023-04-21
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Gatto for the amazing job  he did operating on me . For three months I was not able to walk properly where I had a mass on my spinal cord  I went through the correct procedures and needed an operation where I had a mass on my spinal cord along with bone spurs . He removed both and I was up and walking the next day .  I highly recommend Dr Gatto and his team . He is simply the best I thank him with all my heart   i also want to thank his entire team . You need a spine Dr call him Thank you for being the Dr you are!  Marcy Sue Rattay .
  
 
       
   Dave W 
 2023-04-02
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A few years ago I was at a point where I could barely walk, but thanks to the good people at The Advanced Spine Center it took just a few days to get me back on my feet. A laminectomy & discectomy resolved the problem, and today I’m back to doing many of the things I love to do. Thank you Dr Gatto and all the good people who make up your team.
  
 
       
   Dwanna Jones 
 2023-03-29
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was dealing with lower back issues (L4/L5) for about 8 years. I tried injections and physical therapy, which helped for a while. I was recently referred to Dr. Gatto by my physical therapist. After meeting him for my consultation, I knew that he was the doctor that I wanted to perform my back surgery. I set up a follow-up appointment so my husband could meet him as well and discuss my plan of action.  My husband knew immediately that he was the one. Dr. Gatto is very thorough, patient, kind, experienced, and truthful. I had my surgery on March 18th and was up walking the next day in the hospital. No more pain in my legs or numbness in my toes. He is an extraordinary surgeon who I will be referring friends and family to. So grateful that I chose him. His staff is confident, friendly and just as pleasant as he is. His expert care has changed my life for the better. I feel like a new person.
  
 
       
   Bill M 
 2022-10-07
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Updated:
Oct 2021 fusion
Dr. Gatto has been treating my back issues since 2006. I had a cervical fusion in 2011 with no further issues. I had a successful fusion at L5S1 in 2016 which healed in 3 months and I had a second fusion at L4L5 which was not unexpected, in October 2021. That disk space was fused in a little under 3 months and I was able to resume full physical fitness activity after 3 months. I am very active and keep my physical conditioning at a high level. Ive resumed my 6 days per week workout (weights and cardio) regimen. Im very pleased with Dr Gatto and his staff. They are very accommodating, polite, efficient and I wouldn't consider any other surgeon for my spinal issues.

Prior surgery 2016
“Had a severely degenerated L5S1 that was pretty much bone on bone and causing chronic pain. I had been monitoring it for some time with Dr Gatto and was under no pressure to have it surgically remediated, although I knew it was inevitable. Finally in September of 2016 I decided to have a fusion of the L5S1 level to stabilize the spine and decrease pain. I made sure to have enough recovery time post surgery and followed Dr Gatto's post surgical instructions to the letter. The first week was tough, as I expected it would be, but got markedly better daily as did my mobility. I believe I actually regained some lost height as the collapsed disk space had its height restored. I was able to drive after 2 weeks and I returned to the office in just under a month, although I wore a brace as instructed. By January 2017, at just around 3 months, I had a solid fusion and by the end of January I was able to resume physical fitness training at my gym. Now at age 50, I am as strong and physically fit as I've ever been. I periodically have some stiffness and pain but nothing like prior to the surgery and I believe that the nerves and muscles are still healing and regenerating and slowly but surely everything will resolve itself. I have also had a successful fusion in my cervical spine C5C6 by Dr Gatto in 2011 and I healed quickly and fully. I have no reservations recommending and referring others to Dr. Gatto and I will work with he and his staff again if needed