Editorial Commentary: Hydrogen Peroxide in the Perioperative Skin Preparation is a No Brainer for Shoulder Surgery (Despite Imperfect Data).

Abstract

Although the clinical impact of positive cultures at the time of primary shoulder surgery remain unknown, much effort has been placed on identifying agents for skin preparation that reduce Cutibacterium acnes skin colonization. Although several randomized controlled trials of hydrogen peroxide use as part of the skin preparation exist, they are plagued by small sample sizes that lead to inadequate power or statistical fragility. Despite the lack of perfect data, our clinical experience and break-even analyses indicate value to routine use of hydrogen peroxide as part of the perioperative skin preparation prior to shoulder surgery.