Gender analysis of ‘man‐in‐the‐barrel’ syndrome: is ‘person‐in‐the‐barrel’ a more adequate term?

• DOI: 10.1111/ene.14551
• Publication Date: 2020-09-23T01:06:35Z
• Authors: C. Soares; D. Ferreira; R. Araújo
• Keywords: Diplegia

Background and purpose Gender bias is a known issue in healthcare academia. We analysed the gender of patients reported literature with ‘man‐in‐the‐barrel’ syndrome or equivalent semiological terms. Methods A search PubMed database was conducted using terms ‘man‐in‐the‐barrel’, ‘person‐in‐the‐barrel’, ‘woman‐in‐the‐barrel’, ‘brachial diplegia’, ‘flail arm’ ‘cruciate paralysis’. All articles published between 1969 2020 containing detailed description compatible original man‐in‐the‐barrel were included. Results Ninety‐five clinical picture Up to 33% female. Overall, proportion female 25%. Discussion conclusions The term may disenfranchise up third women presenting brachial diplegia undesirable consequences. propose gender‐neutral alternative such as ‘person‐in‐the‐barrel’.