Morel-Lavallee lesion: case report of a rare extensive degloving soft tissue injury

Abstract

Morel-Lavallee syndrome (MLS) is a significant post-traumatic soft tissue injury in which the subcutaneous tissue is torn away from the underlying fascia (closed degloving), creating a cavity filled with hematoma and liquefied fat. It commonly occurs over the greater trochanter, but may also occur in the flank, buttocks and lumbodorsal regions. MLS is a rarely reported entity. The trauma surgeon and radiologist must be aware of this condition, as early diagnosis can lead to conservative management, while a delay can lead to surgical exploration. We report a case of extensive Morel-Lavallee lesion involving the left flank and thigh in a young adult. We discuss the magnetic resonance imaging findings and also describe the differential diagnoses and management options for MLS.

Morel-Lavallée Lesion: A Case Report of a Large Post-Traumatic Subcutaneous Lumbar Hematoma and Literature Review

“…Recent advances in imaging technology have significantly improved early detection of MLL, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is by far the modality of choice for detecting and revealing the location and size of these lesions [9]- [11]. Mellado and Bencardio described 6 types of lesions based on their MRI characteristics [11]. Other imaging modalities such as CT scan and ultrasound are valuable diagnostic tools [9] [11].…”

“…It is the authors' view that early detection and treatment of MLLs is paramount to prevent complications such as recollection, chronic pain and infection-related morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is by far the modality of choice for detecting and revealing the location and size of these lesions [10] [11]. But other imaging modalities such as CT scan and ultrasound are also valuable diagnostic tools [9] [11].…”

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is by far the modality of choice for detecting and revealing the location and size of these lesions [10] [11]. But other imaging modalities such as CT scan and ultrasound are also valuable diagnostic tools [9] [11]. Surgical excision/drainage of the collection and/or debridement has been advocated as the best method of treatment [1] [6]- [12].…”

Morel‐Lavallee injury a case study

“…The mechanism of injury is the application of high‐intensity forces to the body in either a direct or tangential shearing, and the effect is a separation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the underlying muscle fascia . When the traumatic injury occurs, there is damage to the vascular and lymphatic supply, which then leads to the accumulation of blood and lymph in the dead space generated by the separation of the superficial and deep fascia . The material inside of the lesion creates a chronic inflammatory process.…”

“…4,5 When the traumatic injury occurs, there is damage to the vascular and lymphatic supply, which then leads to the accumulation of blood and lymph in the dead space generated by the separation of the superficial and deep fascia. [5][6][7] The material inside of the lesion creates a chronic inflammatory process. These lesions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.…”