Using a 10% benzoyl peroxide acne wash on the shoulder before arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Investigating Whether Preoperative Use of Acne Face Wash for Cleansing the Face, Neck, and Chest Helps Reduce the Contamination Rate of Cutibacterium Acnes in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07239349

This trial tests whether washing the shoulder with a 10% benzoyl peroxide acne cleanser before arthroscopic rotator cuff repair reduces contamination by Cutibacterium acnes in patients with rotator cuff tears.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT07239349 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized trial that assigns patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to preoperative skin preparation with a 10% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne cleanser versus standard preparation. The study uses random allocation (random number table) and collects intraoperative cultures to measure contamination rates by Cutibacterium acnes from skin, surgical sites, or suture material. The goal is to compare the proportion of positive cultures between groups to determine whether preoperative BPO lowers contamination in rotator cuff procedures. Results are intended to inform preoperative preparation practices for shoulder arthroscopy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with a rotator cuff tear who are scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and who have no history of shoulder fracture, no prior shoulder surgeries, and no tattoos on the shoulder.

Not a fit: Patients with prior shoulder surgery, a history of shoulder fracture, or tattoos on the shoulder are excluded and therefore unlikely to receive benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this simple preoperative wash could lower the rate of Cutibacterium acnes contamination during rotator cuff repairs and reduce related postoperative infections or complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in shoulder arthroplasty have shown that preoperative benzoyl peroxide can reduce C. acnes skin burden and lower joint or suture contamination, but strong evidence specifically for rotator cuff surgery is still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* rotator cuff tear
* scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of shoulder fracture
* previous shoulder surgeries
* tatoo on the shoulder

Where this trial is running

Taipei

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 Rotator Cuff Tears of the Shoulderrotator cuff teararthroscopybenzoyl peroxideCutibacterium acnes
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.