骨瓣感染(BFI)是在神经外科手术如颅骨开窗术之后出现的，然而，BFI的定义不明确，往往无法与神经外科手术的其他手术部位感染清晰地区分开来。本研究回顾了国家成人神经外科中心的数据，探讨了一些临床方面的问题，以更好地为BFI的定义、分类和监测方法提供信息。我们对临床样本送交培养的数据进行了回顾，以及从国家和地方数据库中访问了预先记录的信息，以根据手术记录或出院摘要中使用的术语，记录与BFI或相关疾病有关的孤菌和多菌感染的情况。在2016年1月至2020年12月期间，我们记录了63名患者，平均年龄为45岁(16-80)。在被编码为国家数据库中用于描述BFI的术语中，颅骨感染是最常见的，占40/63(63%)，但也使用了其他术语。恶性肿瘤是28/63(44%)例颅骨切除手术的最常见基础病症。提交进行微生物学检查的标本包括48/63(76%)的骨瓣、38/63(60%)的液体/脓液和29/63(46%)的组织。58(92%)名患者至少有一个培养阳性的标本。32(55%)为孤菌感染，26(45%)为多菌感染。革兰阳性细菌占主导地位，其中最常见的是金黄色葡萄球菌。需要更清晰地定义BFI，以便进行更好的分类和适当的监测。这将为预防策略和更有效的患者管理提供信息。版权所有©2023年医疗感染协会。由Elsevier Ltd. 出版。保留所有权利。

Bone flap infections (BFI) occur following neurosurgical procedures such as craniotomies. However, they are poorly defined and often not clearly differentiated from other surgical site infection neurosurgery.To review data from a national adult neurosurgical centre to explore some clinical aspects to better inform definitions, classification and surveillance methodologies.We retrospectively reviewed data on clinical samples sent for culture from patients with suspected BFI. We also accessed information recorded prospectively from national and local databases for evidence of BFI or related conditions based upon terms used in surgical operative notes or discharge summaries and documented monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections related to craniotomy sites.Between January 2016 and December 2020, we documented 63 patients with a mean age of 45 years (16-80). Craniectomy for infection of the skull was the most common terminology used to describe BFI in the coding used in a national database, 40/63 (63%), but other terms were used. A malignant neoplasm was the most common underlying condition necessitating craniectomy in 28/63 (44%) cases. Specimens submitted for microbiological investigation included 48/63 (76%) bone flaps, 38/63 (60%) fluid/pus, and 29/63 (46%) tissue. Fifty-eight (92%) patients had at least one culture positive specimen; 32 (55%) were monomicrobial and 26 (45%) were polymicrobial. Gram-positive bacteria predominated and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common.Greater clarity on how to define BFI is required to enable better classification and the carrying out of appropriate surveillance. This will inform preventative strategies and more effective patient management.Copyright © 2023 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.