Preoperative doxycycline does not decolonize Propionibacterium acnes from the skin of the shoulder: a randomized controlled trial

Administration of oral doxycycline for 7 days before surgery did not reduce colonization of P. acnes significantly. Given the potential risk for emergence of bacterial resistance and the adverse effects associated with administration of antibiotics, we do not recommend routine use of oral doxycycline for preoperative decolonization of the shoulder.