Dr. Cesar De Cesar Netto

I am an orthopaedic surgeon with specialized training in foot and ankle surgery. Prior to becoming a physician, I worked as a physical therapist. My focus has always been on assisting patients in returning to the activities they enjoy. This entails understanding each patient's current limitations and future goals to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs. I believe in optimizing non-surgical options using various modalities while ensuring patients comprehend their surgical options for when or if the time is appropriate to pursue that route. In my practice, I address a wide range of foot and ankle issues, including bunions, achilles injuries, fractures, and complex foot reconstruction, with a particular emphasis on acute foot and ankle trauma and revision surgery. One aspect I appreciate about Duke Health is the ability to collaborate with other surgeons, therapists, and physicians to devise a comprehensive plan that suits each patient. During my leisure time, you'll often find me running, biking, or chasing after my two energetic boys. Dr. O'connor is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture. Her top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, and Hip Replacement.

My pursuit of a career in orthopaedics has come as no surprise to those around me. Growing up on our family horse farm in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, afforded me many mechanical tasks. Foot and ankle orthopaedics was an obvious choice: the diverse patient population, challenging surgeries, and the ability to help my patients get back to the activities they enjoy most. As medical missionary Dr. Albert Schweitzer said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by the spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” It is my responsibility, but also privilege as a surgeon, to empower my patients with ‘that light’, through optimism, knowledge and ultimately relief, through both non-operative and surgical means. I perform a variety of reconstructive procedures, including: fore/midfoot surgeries, ankle arthroscopy and cartilage restorative surgery, tendon/ligament repair/reconstruction, lower extremity fracture care, ankle replacement and fusion, diabetic Charcot reconstruction (including use of Ilizarov thin-wire frame techniques) and advanced deformity reconstruction for conditions related to arthritic, neurologic, congenital or acquired conditions. Dr. Schweitzer is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Metatarsalgia, Tendinitis, Tenotomy, and Osteotomy.

I pursued the specialty of Orthopaedic surgery as I was drawn to the opportunity to care for patients on their journey to maintain or return to an active and healthy lifestyle. In particular, the subspecialty of foot and ankle surgery was especially appealing as the foot and ankle serve as the foundation for the entire musculoskeletal system, with a broad array of pathology and patient populations being affected. I have the honor of caring for patients of all walks of life including all ages and activity levels. Dr. Robert is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Foot Drop, High Arch, and Osteotomy.