Cervico-thoracic Morel-Lavallée lesion

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Nov 17;16(11):e253510. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253510.

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) result from high-energy trauma causing separation of subcutaneous tissue from the underlying tissue, most commonly in the gluteal region or thigh.We report the case of a woman in her 40s with a fluctuant collection of the cervico-thoracic region following trauma. Further imaging identified an MLL. An orthoplastic approach resulted in non-operative management with a spinal brace. Three months from initial injury, the lesion completely resolved. She was symptom free at final follow-up and discharged.We present the only recorded case of MLL developing in the cervico-thoracic region. Management posed difficultly as no literature currently exists. We demonstrated conservative management for cervico-thoracic MLL can be effective.We have described the first documented case of cervico-thoracic MLL. MLL is not exclusive to pelvic injuries and can develop in the cervico-thoracic region. We have shown conservative management is a viable treatment of atypical MLL.

Keywords: Orthopaedic and trauma surgery; Plastic and reconstructive surgery; Radiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Back / pathology
  • Degloving Injuries* / pathology
  • Degloving Injuries* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Soft Tissue Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Thigh / pathology
  • Torso / pathology