Recurrence of symptoms may indicate the presence of a Morel-Lavallée lesion of the knee: A case report and literature review

John J Heifner; Tyler M Small; Yitzak M Fox; Robert Ogg; Arturo Corces

doi:10.1016/j.tcr.2023.100842

Recurrence of symptoms may indicate the presence of a Morel-Lavallée lesion of the knee: A case report and literature review

Trauma Case Rep. 2023 May 16:46:100842. doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2023.100842. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Authors

John J Heifner¹, Tyler M Small², Yitzak M Fox³, Robert Ogg³, Arturo Corces³

Affiliations

¹ Miami Orthopaedic Research Foundation, Miami, FL, USA.
² Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg, VA, USA.
³ Larkin Hospital Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Miami, FL, USA.

Abstract

Case: An 81 year old male with four failed aspirations presented with recurrent knee swelling following irrigation and debridement, which suggested the presence of a Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL). This diagnosis was intraoperatively confirmed by separation of the tissue layers forming a space with accumulated fluid. Treatment consisted of doxycycline sclerodesis and tight closure of the tissue layers. The patient had a satisfactory outcome at 4 months.

Conclusion: Resolution of Morel-Lavallée lesions requires prompt recognition and appropriate treatment. In the presence of a different diagnosis, recurrence of symptoms following treatment may indicate an MLL. Surgical treatment with doxycycline sclerodesis resulted in resolution of symptoms.

Keywords: Doxycycline; Hematoma; Impact injury; Morel-Lavallée lesion; Sclerodesis; Sclerotherapy.

Publication types

Case Reports