Morel-Lavallee Lesions: A Non-Operative Case Series

Abstract

In the late 1800's, Morel-Lavallèe described a pattern of injury to the proximal thigh involving a fluid collection associated with a de-gloving type of injury. These injuries typically result from blunt trauma and falls. There is existing literature that suggests surgical management as primary treatment, although no rigorous controlled trials are found in English language medical literature. Non-surgical aspiration with sclerodesis is an option, however individual case reports suggest that using multiple aspirations without sclerodesis could be effective. This series illustrates that nonsurgical management (i.e. aspiration without sclerodesis) is a viable option for these injuries.