Morel-Lavallée Lesions: A Diagnostic and Clinical Dilemma

Cureus. 2022 Aug 15;14(8):e28038. doi: 10.7759/cureus.28038. eCollection 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL) occur following closed degloving injuries in trauma and appear as subcutaneous fluid collections. These lesions provide a diagnostic dilemma due to their resemblance to other subcutaneous lesions, including post-traumatic or post-procedural hematomas, and malignant entities such as soft tissue sarcomas. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the diagnostic test of choice to diagnose MLL. Here we present a single case of MLL in a 40-year-old female who sustained an injury to her left thigh months earlier after falling through a pier as well as a review of literature on the diagnostic findings typically seen in this type of injury.

Keywords: closed degloving; degloving injury; lower extremity trauma; morel-lavallée; morel-lavallée lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports