Survey of shoulder arthroplasty surgeons’ methods for infection avoidance of Propionibacterium

Introduction: Propionibacterium acnes infection after shoulder arthroplasty remains a source of morbidity. Determining practices amongst shoulder surgeons is the first step in developing infection-prevention best-practices. Methods: A survey was sent to a shoulder fellowship alumni group to determine their arthroplasty infection prevention methods Results: 74% completed the survey. Cefazolin (90%), vancomycin (50%) and clindamycin (18%) were the most commonly used antibiotics, 61% utilized more than one antibiotic. Most (76%) reported using an experience-based protocol learned during residency/fellowship. Discussion and conclusion: There are no clear standards for prevention of Propionibacterium acnes infections in shoulder arthroplasty. There is a general non-scientific approach to the prevention of shoulder arthroplasty infection.