Optimizing Infection Prevention in Primary Shoulder Arthroplasty: Evidence-Based Strategies and Best Practices

» Based on the available evidence, there are numerous strategies that may reduce infection risk in primary shoulder arthroplasty. Preoperatively, optimization of iron deficiency anemia and smoking cessation are associated with lower rates of periprosthetic joint infection and perioperative complications. In addition, risk of infection may be mitigated by deferring shoulder arthroplasty for at least three months following a corticosteroid injection. Management of biologic and targeted immunosuppressive therapies should be coordinated with medical specialists and tailored to the specific agent's pharmacokinetics and surgical risk.» Preoperative skin preparation with agents such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine gluconate may decrease bacterial colonization. Antibiotic prophylaxis with a single preoperative dose of cefazolin administered within one hour of incision reduces infection risk, and in patients with true beta-lactam allergy, fully infused vancomycin prior to incision is an effective alternative. Intraoperatively, measures such as dilute betadine lavage, vancomycin powder, chlorhexidine wash, and antibiotic irrigation can reduce bacterial contamination. Additional intraoperative techniques including electrocautery after skin incision may further decrease bacterial burden, although higher level evidence for these latter interventions remains limited or conflicting.