The Importance of Prompt Management of Morel-Lavallée Lesions

Cureus. 2022 May 1;14(5):e24639. doi: 10.7759/cureus.24639. eCollection 2022 May.

Abstract

The Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) is a closed soft-tissue injury that is frequently associated with high-intensity trauma. The thigh, hip, and pelvic regions are the most typically affected regions. It is critical to recognize and treat an MLL as soon as possible because it is often neglected or its identification is delayed because of other distracting injuries in a polytrauma patient. Bacterial colonization of these closed soft-tissue wounds can result in an increased risk of perioperative and postoperative infection. Magnetic resonance imaging has recently been used to define and grade these lesions. To reduce the dangers of these situations, clinical suspicion and on-the-spot identification of these lesions are essential. Here, we report an operated case of fracture shaft femur associated with MLLs and discuss the diagnostic and surgical approaches.

Keywords: debridement; degloving; polytrauma; pseudocapsule; subcutaneous necrosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports