Led by Dr. Cesar de Cesar Netto, our research lab is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. We integrate clinical expertise with advanced imaging technologies—particularly Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography (WBCT)—to enhance diagnostic accuracy, refine surgical approaches, and improve patient outcomes.
Our work focuses on:
- Investigating complex foot and ankle deformities
- Optimizing surgical techniques and treatment strategies
- Collaborating with national and international experts to drive innovation in foot and ankle care
Through a combination of clinical research and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to contribute meaningful insights that support better care and quality of life for patients worldwide.
Research
Our lab is focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of foot and ankle conditions through clinically relevant, imaging-driven research. Our primary areas of investigation include:
- Weight-Bearing CT Imaging; We are at the forefront of applying Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography (WBCT) in both clinical and research settings. This technology enables detailed, three-dimensional evaluation of lower-extremity biomechanics, alignment, and deformities under functional loading conditions.
- Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD): Our team is working to refine diagnostic classifications, identify risk factors, and improve surgical strategies for flatfoot deformities. We leverage advanced imaging and biomechanical analysis to understand the progression and treatment of PCFD better.
- Biomechanics and Surgical Innovation: We develop and evaluate novel surgical techniques—including minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures—supported by biomechanical testing and imaging research.
Our overarching goal is to translate research findings into improved clinical care, contributing to the evolution of best practices in foot and ankle orthopaedics both locally and globally.
People
Current Members
Past Members
Publications
Correction of syndesmotic malreduction following fixation flexibilization. Mansur NSB, Hume D, Kwon J, de Carvalho KAM, Dibbern K, de Cesar Netto C.Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):22434. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-04117-x.PMID: 40593952
Advanced Three-Dimensional Assessment and Planning for Hallux Valgus. Forin Valvecchi T, Marcolli D, De Cesar Netto C.Foot Ankle Clin. 2025 Jun;30(2):349-362. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2024.06.008. Epub 2024 Dec 30.PMID: 40348467
Semi-automated Segmentation and Distance Mapping of Weight Bearing CT Data to Estimate Select Midfoot Joint Volumes.Talaski GM, Mallavarapu V, Behrens A, Mansur N, Aiyer A, Anastasio AT, Lintz F, de Cesar Netto C.Foot Ankle Int. 2025 Jun;46(6):644-651. doi: 10.1177/10711007251328693. Epub 2025 Apr 22.PMID: 40261007
Standardizing 3 Dimensional Measurements in Foot and Ankle Imaging: A Contemporary Review and Methodological Proposal. Kruger KM, Lenz AL, Dibbern KN, de Cesar Netto C, Ledoux WR, Thorhauer ED, Burssens A, Siegler S, Rainbow MJ, Welte L, Peterson AC, Conconi M, Williams DE, Turmezei T, Hansen P, Lintz F, Leardini A.Foot Ankle Clin. 2025 Mar;30(1):221-237. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2024.08.006. Epub 2024 Dec 3.PMID: 39894616
Cadaveric Diagnostic Study of Subtle Syndesmotic Instability Using a 3-Dimensional Weight-Bearing CT Distance Mapping Algorithm. de Cesar Netto C, Barbachan Mansur NS, Talaski G, Behrens A, Mendes de Carvalho KA, Dibbern K.J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Feb 19;107(4):397-407. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00199. Epub 2024 Dec 19.PMID: 39700305
Anatomical and Micro-CT Assessment of the First Metatarsal Head Vascularization and Soft Tissue Envelope Following Minimally Invasive Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity. Carvalho KAM, Fayed A, Barbachan Mansur NS, Godoy-Santos AL, Talusan P, Chrea B, de Cesar Netto C, Johnson AH, Dalmau-Pastor M.Foot Ankle Int. 2025 Jan;46(1):102-114. doi: 10.1177/10711007241298681. Epub 2024 Nov 29.PMID: 39611439
Ankle osteoarthritis: Toward new understanding and opportunities for prevention and intervention. Anderson DD, Ledoux WR, Lenz AL, Wilken J, Easley ME, de Cesar Netto C.J Orthop Res. 2024 Dec;42(12):2613-2622. doi: 10.1002/jor.25973. Epub 2024 Sep 13.PMID: 39269016
Hindfoot Alignment in Flexible Cavovarus Deformity Under Orthostatic and Coleman Block Test Positions: A Weightbearing Computed Tomography Study. Pires EA, Lobo CFT, Fonseca FC, Sposeto RB, Barbachan Mansur NS, Easley ME, de Cesar Netto C, Godoy-Santos AL.Foot Ankle Int. 2024 Sep;45(9):1027-1037. doi: 10.1177/10711007241258180. Epub 2024 Jul 26.PMID: 39056577
Deformities Influencing Different Classes in Progressive Collapsing Foot. Fayed A, Mallavarapu V, Schmidt E, de Carvalho KAM, Lalevée M, Kim KC, Ehret A, Rojas EO, Lintz F, Ellis SJ, Mansur NS, de Cesar Netto C.Iowa Orthop J. 2023 Dec;43(2):8-13.PMID: 38213846
Research Opportunities
Are you interested in advancing foot and ankle research through cutting-edge imaging, biomechanics, and surgical innovation?
We welcome ambitious candidates to contribute to biomechanical modeling, WBCT imaging projects, surgical innovation studies, and more.
Contact: Dr. Cesar de Cesar Netto, MD
Let’s work together to shape the future of foot and ankle orthopaedics.