Cristian Radu Jecan

Burn injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, largely driven by infectious complications. Disruption of the skin barrier, systemic inflammation, and postburn immunosuppression promote microbial colonization and progression to local and systemic infections, a challenge further exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). Patients with extensive burns, inhalation injury, prolonged hospitalization, and invasive device use are particularly vulnerable. The microbiological profile of burn wound infections evolves dynamically, shifting from early Gram-positive predominance to Gram-negative and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including members of the ESKAPE group, in later stages. Effective management, therefore, requires an integrated approach combining early surgical intervention, strict infection control measures, continuous microbiological surveillance, and targeted antimicrobial therapy. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the pathophysiology, risk factors, and microbiological dynamics of burn-associated infections, alongside contemporary prevention and treatment strategies, including topical therapies, advanced biomaterials, systemic antibiotic approaches, and antimicrobial stewardship. Emerging strategies such as nanoparticle-based systems and artificial intelligence-driven predictive models highlight a shift toward precision medicine in burn care; however, their clinical translation remains limited by insufficient validation and standardization. In conclusion, optimizing outcomes in burn-associated infections will depend on integrating evidence-based clinical practices with innovative technologies, while reinforcing antimicrobial stewardship and developing validated predictive tools to address the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance.

Quadriceps muscle and tendon injuries are a significant cause of impairment of the knee extensor mechanism, ranging from minor muscle strains to complete tendon ruptures and extensive defects following oncologic resections. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary concepts in anatomy, biomechanics, diagnosis, surgical management, and rehabilitation, with a particular focus on reconstructive techniques and functional outcomes. While most muscle injuries respond well to conservative management, complete quadriceps tendon ruptures typically require surgical repair to restore extensor continuity. Both transosseous suture techniques and suture anchor fixation demonstrate reliable outcomes, with no clear superiority in clinical results. Chronic ruptures present additional challenges due to tendon retraction and poor tissue quality, often necessitating advanced reconstruction methods such as V–Y tendon lengthening and augmentation with autografts, allografts, or synthetic materials. In cases of large defects, especially following soft-tissue sarcoma resection, free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) has emerged as a key reconstructive strategy. Common donor muscles include the latissimus dorsi, gracilis, rectus abdominis, and vastus lateralis, each offering specific biomechanical advantages. Functional recovery is strongly influenced by the extent of quadriceps preservation, with better outcomes observed when at least two muscle heads remain functional. Rehabilitation protocols vary depending on the surgical approach. Early controlled mobilisation is generally recommended after tendon repair, whereas FFMT requires a more cautious and prolonged rehabilitation process to allow for flap integration and reinnervation. Overall, optimal outcomes depend on a multidisciplinary approach combining appropriate surgical technique, individualized rehabilitation, and careful patient selection.

Reconstruction of the ear and temporal region presents unique challenges due to the complex anatomy of the lateral skull base and the need to restore both structural integrity and auditory function. Historically managed as separate entities, auricular reconstruction and hearing rehabilitation are increasingly approached in an integrated manner, supported by advances in microsurgical techniques and implantable hearing technologies. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence on microsurgical reconstruction of the ear and temporal region in conjunction with hearing rehabilitation, analyzing a wide range of existing surgical techniques in an integrative manner. Reconstructive techniques discussed include local and regional flaps, free tissue transfer, auricular framework reconstruction using autologous cartilage or alloplastic materials, external auditory canal reconstruction, and subtotal petrosectomy. Hearing rehabilitation options reviewed encompass bone-anchored hearing systems, active and passive transcutaneous devices, middle ear implants, and cochlear implantation. Simultaneous reconstruction and implantation may reduce surgical burden and enable earlier hearing restoration in carefully selected patients, while staged approaches remain advantageous in complex or high-risk scenarios, particularly in the presence of chronic infection or extensive temporal bone surgery. Multidisciplinary collaboration, meticulous preoperative planning, and long-term follow-up are essential to optimize outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Septic tenosynovitis of the hand remains a surgical emergency associated with significant morbidity and healthcare resource utilization. While prior studies have focused primarily on diagnostic features, microbiology, and functional outcomes, factors influencing prolonged hospitalization remain insufficiently characterized. Length of stay (LOS) represents a pragmatic, patient- and system-centered outcome that may reflect disease burden and treatment complexity. To identify clinical, demographic, and treatment-related factors associated with prolonged hospitalization in patients treated surgically for septic tenosynovitis of the hand, using LOS ≥ 6 days as a clinically meaningful threshold. Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted including 38 adult patients treated surgically for acute septic tenosynovitis of the hand at a tertiary referral center between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024. Demographic variables, comorbidities, immunosuppressive status, mechanism of injury, anatomical involvement, time to presentation, microbiological findings, number of surgical procedures, inpatient LOS, and outpatient follow-up visits were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 53.2 ± 15.8 years, and the mean LOS was 7.5 ± 3.7 days (range, 2–17 days). Twenty-seven patients (71.1%) experienced an LOS ≥ 6 days. The presence of comorbidities (p = 0.0026) and immunosuppressive status (p = 0.0378) were significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization. In contrast, age, sex, time to presentation, and microbiological culture positivity, were not significantly associated with prolonged LOS. The mean number of outpatient follow-up visits was 2.5 ± 1.9, highlighting an additional post-discharge care burden. Conclusions: Prolonged hospitalization in septic tenosynovitis appears to be driven predominantly by patient-related vulnerability, particularly comorbidities and immunosuppression, rather than by anatomical involvement, microbiological profile, or presentation delay alone. LOS may serve as a useful surrogate marker for treatment burden and resource utilization, supporting early identification of high-risk patients and optimization of inpatient care pathways.

Objectives: Breast cancer treatment has increasingly shifted toward integrating patient-reported outcomes into surgical decision-making. However, Romania has lacked a validated instrument to evaluate quality of life (QoL) after breast reconstruction. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and clinically validate the Romanian version of the BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module, and to assess postoperative changes in QoL following immediate and delayed breast reconstruction. Methods: A prospective observational study enrolled 116 patients undergoing immediate or delayed implant-based or autologous reconstruction between June 2023 and June 2024. The BREAST-Q was translated using standardized forward–backward methodology, followed by expert review, pilot testing, and psychometric validation. Patients completed preoperative and 1-year postoperative BREAST-Q questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Cronbach’s α, intraclass correlation coefficients, paired and independent t-tests, Pearson correlations, and ANCOVA to assess the impact of radiotherapy and other clinical factors on postoperative outcomes. Results: The Romanian BREAST-Q showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.947) and strong test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.81–0.92). Both immediate and delayed reconstruction significantly improved psychosocial well-being and breast symptoms (p < 0.001). Immediate reconstruction produced modest gains in physical well-being, whereas delayed reconstruction yielded a substantial increase in breast satisfaction (effect size d = 1.33). Breast sensation significantly decreased in both cohorts. Within delayed reconstructions, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps were associated with higher physical well-being, whereas latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps demonstrated slightly better sensory outcomes. Radiotherapy had a strong negative effect on postoperative breast satisfaction (p < 0.001) after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: The Romanian BREAST-Q is a valid, reliable instrument for evaluating QoL after breast reconstruction. Reconstruction improved multiple QoL domains, although sensory decline persisted across techniques. Symmetrization and DIEP reconstruction enhanced postoperative comfort, while radiotherapy remained a major predictor of lower satisfaction. These findings support the need for integrative reconstructive strategies that address aesthetic, functional, and sensory outcomes.

Background: Complex diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a leading cause of morbidity and lower-limb amputation, and their management is profoundly challenging. Microvascular free tissue transfer is a primary limb salvage strategy, with the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free-flap recognized as a workhorse reconstructive solution. However, a quantitative summary of its performance specifically within this high-risk patient population is lacking. Methods: A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Five electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched up to 9 September 2025 to identify studies reporting on outcomes of ALT free-flaps for diabetic foot reconstruction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Primary outcomes were set as the complete and partial flap necrosis rate. Secondary outcomes included functional recovery status and complication rates. All data were synthesized using a random-effects model. Results: Six retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 162 patients. The pooled rate of total flap failure was 5.2% (95% CI: 2.5–10.6%), a finding that was highly consistent across all studies (I² = 0%). The pooled incidence of partial flap necrosis was 13.0% (95% CI: 6.3–25.1%), resulting in an overall weighted flap success rate of 81.8%. Notably, the pooled rate of return to ambulation was 95.2% (95% CI: 88.5–98.1%), which also demonstrated no statistical heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Conclusions: The anterolateral thigh free-flap appears to be a robust and highly reliable strategy for diabetic foot reconstruction, associated with low failure rates, minimal long-term complications, and excellent functional recovery. However, the current evidence is limited to a small number of poor-to-moderate-quality retrospective studies. High-quality, prospective, and comparative multicenter trials are necessary to confirm these findings and establish the ALT flap’s effectiveness in high-risk cohorts.

Background and Objectives: Lower limb defects often present significant reconstructive challenges due to limited soft tissue availability and exposure of critical structures. Perforator-based flaps offer reliable solutions, with minimal donor site morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of infrared thermography (IRT) in preoperative planning and postoperative monitoring of perforator-based flaps, assessing its accuracy in identifying perforators, predicting complications, and optimizing outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 76 patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction with fascio-cutaneous perforator flaps between 2022 and 2024. Perforator mapping was performed concurrently with IRT and Doppler ultrasonography (D-US), with intraoperative confirmation. Flap design variables and systemic parameters were recorded. Postoperative monitoring employed thermal imaging on days 1 and 7. Outcomes were correlated with thermal, anatomical, and systemic factors using statistical analyses, including t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results: IRT showed high sensitivity (97.4%) and positive predictive value (96.8%) for perforator detection. A total of nine minor complications occurred, predominantly in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or elevated glycemia (p = 0.05). Larger flap-to-defect ratios (A/C and B/C) correlated with increased complications in propeller flaps, while smaller ratios posed risks for V-Y and Keystone flaps. Thermal analysis indicated significantly lower flap temperatures and greater temperature gradients in flaps with complications by postoperative day 7 (p < 0.05). CRP levels correlated with glycemia and white blood cell counts, highlighting systemic inflammation’s impact on outcomes. Conclusions: IRT proves to be a reliable, non-invasive method for perforator localization and flap monitoring, enhancing surgical planning and early complication detection. Combined with D-US, it improves perforator selection and perfusion assessment. Thermographic parameters, systemic factors, and flap design metrics collectively predict flap viability. Integration of IRT into surgical workflows offers a cost-effective tool for optimizing reconstructive outcomes in lower limb surgery.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this case series is to evaluate the outcomes and safety of video-assisted mastectomy, illustrating the harmonious collaboration of oncologic and plastic surgery. This novel minimally invasive technique allows immediate prosthetic reconstruction and represents a cost-effective alternative to robotic breast surgery. Methods: Video-assisted, single-port nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed in patients with small to medium-sized breasts, followed by immediate direct-to-implant reconstruction with either prepectoral or dual plane implant placement. The patients’ electronic medical records were analyzed, including demographic characteristics, operative times and histopathology reports. Results: A total of 18 patients underwent successful video-assisted mastectomy, without conversion to traditional open procedure. Fifteen of the operations were risk-reducing mastectomies. Twelve patients had complementary procedures performed concurrently on the previously operated contralateral breast (delayed reconstruction/expander-to-implant exchange). Moreover, three patients benefited from additional minimally invasive techniques during the same surgery (prophylactic laparoscopic hysterectomy). Immediate breast reconstruction with polyurethane or microtextured breast implants up to 450 cc was performed, with satisfactory aesthetic outcomes and no cancer recurrences at 6 to 12 months postoperative follow-up. Early complications included transient hypercapnia, areolar congestion and cellulitis. No skin necrosis or implant-related complications were reported. The most frequently encountered late issues were contour irregularities. Conclusions: Video-assisted mastectomy facilitates the safe removal of proven pathologic or healthy breast tissue with minimal damage to the breast’s skin envelope, facilitating single-stage breast reconstruction.