Morel-Lavallée lesion: A closed degloving injury that requires real attention

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions are post-traumatic, closed degloving injuries occurring deep to subcutaneous plane due to disruption of capillaries resulting in an effusion containing hemolymph and necrotic fat. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice in the evaluation of Morel-Lavallée lesion. Early diagnosis and management is essential as any delay in diagnosis or missed lesion will lead to the effusion becoming infected or leading to extensive skin necrosis.

Morel‐Lavallee injury a case study

“…First, the Morel‐Lavallee lesions are rare, post‐traumatic, soft‐tissue degloving injuries commonly misdiagnosed as hematomas or ruptured bursa, and Morel‐Lavallee lesion is not widely known among professionals who work in the front line of emergency services and orthopedic surgeons . If not treated in the acute and subacute setting, these lesions are often complicated by reaccumulation of fluid, infection, continued expansion, overlying tissue necrosis, chronic pain, and suboptimal patient outcomes . The clinician needs to be aware of this injury, in order to provide appropriate patient care and treatment.…”

“…Third, the modality of choice for imaging is MRI for Morel‐Lavallee lesions . MRI offers multiplanar imaging and high contrast resolution to provide greater anatomic details .…”

“…Deciding upon the most appropriate treatment is often difficult . Once the lesion has been identified, treatment should consist of evacuation of the hematoma and necrotic material . Once a capsule has been identified, conservative or percutaneous treatment is unsuccessful (Figs.…”

Morel-Lavallee Lesion: A Forgotten Cause of Bleeding in Trauma

“…The lesions are often homogenously hypointense on T1W sequences and hyperintense on T2W sequences. However, the signal intensities on T1W and T2W images vary depending on age of haematoma (Nair et al 2014). MRI is more costly and not widely available.…”

Morel-Lavallée lesion of the knee in a soccer player

“…There is a lack of consensus regarding the management of these lesions, including non-operative therapies and operative techniques [11][12][13].…”