Optimizing skin cleansing before shoulder surgery

Optimizing Infection Prophylaxis Prior to Shoulder Surgery

Not applicable Interventional University of Washington · NCT06464770

This study is testing whether using different pressure techniques to apply a skin cleanser can help reduce bacteria on the skin before shoulder surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT06464770 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different pressure applications of chlorhexidine gluconate in reducing Cutibacterium acnes on the skin prior to shoulder arthroplasty. Participants will have one shoulder treated with a gentle wipe pressure and the other with a massage-like pressure to determine which method is more effective in decreasing bacterial presence. Skin swabs will be collected before and after the application to measure the reduction of C. acnes. The study seeks to enhance infection prophylaxis strategies for shoulder surgeries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking individuals preparing for shoulder arthroplasty who do not have sensitive skin or allergies to chlorhexidine.

Not a fit: Patients with very sensitive skin, allergies to chlorhexidine, recent antibiotic or acne treatment use, or existing wounds on their shoulders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved infection prevention methods for patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored infection prophylaxis techniques, this specific approach of varying application pressure with chlorhexidine is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self report very sensitive skin
* Allergic to chlorhexidine
* Used antibiotics in the last three months
* Used acne treatment in the last three months
* Wounds on your shoulders

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 ShoulderPeriprosthetic Joint Infectionperiprosthetic joint infectioncutibacteriumshoulder arthroplastychlorhexidine
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.