Optimizing Infection Prophylaxis Prior to Shoulder Surgery Using Different Pressures of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Application

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different pressures applied during the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (ChloraPrep) affect the amount of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria on the skin. The study focuses on male adults aged 18 to 89 years who are preparing for shoulder surgery, aiming to determine if pressure similar to a gentle wipe versus a massage changes bacterial reduction one hour after application. Participants will have one shoulder washed with ChloraPrep using a gentle wiping pressure aimed at the dermal layer, and the other shoulder washed using a firmer massage-like pressure targeting the subdermal layer. Each application lasts 30 seconds. The study is randomized so that either the right or left shoulder receives the test or control treatment, allowing comparison between the two methods. During the study, skin swabs will be taken before and one hour after the application to measure the number of bacterial growth quadrants on culture plates. Researchers will monitor the reduction of C. acnes on each shoulder. Participants will be observed only during the application and follow-up swabbing, with no masking or blinding involved. The study will continue until the end of 2027, and participants' safety and bacterial levels will be closely tracked throughout.

Optimizing Infection Prophylaxis Prior to Shoulder Surgery