Examining testosterone levels and skin bacteria in shoulder surgery patients

Association Between Serum Testosterone Levels and Cutibacterium Culture Positivity During Shoulder Arthroplasty

Observational University of Washington · NCT05030220

This study is trying to see if testosterone levels in patients having shoulder surgery are linked to certain bacteria on their skin and if this affects their risk of infection after the surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT05030220 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between serum testosterone levels and the presence of Cutibacterium bacteria in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. In the first phase, blood samples and skin swabs are collected from 51 patients before and during surgery to analyze testosterone levels and bacterial load. The second phase aims to assess whether preoperative testosterone levels correlate with the risk of periprosthetic joint infection and bacterial load in deep tissue cultures during revision surgeries. The study seeks to enhance understanding of how testosterone may influence surgical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for elective shoulder arthroplasty who meet the inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder septic arthritis or recent antibiotic use may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify risk factors for infections in shoulder arthroplasty patients, potentially leading to improved surgical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific correlation between testosterone levels and Cutibacterium in shoulder surgeries is novel, similar studies have explored testosterone's role in infection risk in other surgical contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Phase 1 Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients having elective shoulder arthroplasty

Phase 1 Exclusion Criteria:

* history of shoulder septic arthritis
* antibiotic use within 3 months prior to surgery
* recent treatment for acne
* Lacked fluency in English

Phase 2 Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients having elective shoulder arthroplasty

Phase 2 Exclusion Criteria:

* Lacked fluency in English

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Arthroplasty, Replacement, ShoulderTestosteroneCutibacteriumShoulder Arthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.