Reduced perception of pain in schizophrenia: its relevance to the clinical diagnosis of compartment syndrome.

Abstract

An atypical presentation of compartment syndrome is reported in a chronic schizophrenic patient with a closed upper tibial fracture. The features of this case and a review of the literature pertaining to pain perception in this group of patients are presented to raise clinical awareness of this combination of disorders, which may lead to delayed treatment of a surgical emergency, consequent on lack of development of classic symptoms in these patients. We suggest continuous intracompartmental pressure monitoring, even in awake schizophrenic patients with injuries at risk of compartment syndrome.