Post-traumatic Late Presentation of Morel–Lavallée: Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Morel–Lavallée (MLL) is an uncommon entity that is missed by many physicians, it is the result of a shearing force that leads to degloving of the subcutaneous fat from the underlying deep fascia. Case Report: We present a case of a 15-year-old male patient who presented 3 months after the initial crush injury with a large MLL lesion at the lateral aspect of the right proximal thigh. He was treated with incision and drainage with compressive dressing and a negative pressure drain. Conclusion: Diagnosis of MLL is usually clinical and can be aided with radiological tools like MRI that is the gold standard of imaging in this lesion. Several treatment options are available, ranging from conservative treatment with compressive bandages to percutaneous drainage, injection of sclerotic agents, and surgical treatment with incision, drainage, and debridement. Diagnosis and treatment should be familiar to all caregivers to prevent further complications that could be life or organ-threatening. Keywords: Morel–Lavallée, thigh trauma, chronic Morel–Lavallée, thigh mass.

Chronic Morel-Lavallée Lesion in a Pediatric Patient: An Underrecognized Sequela after Trauma

“…However, imaging findings can be subtle or nonspecific in children, therefore requiring a high index of suspicion to prevent delayed diagnosis [ 12 ]. In pediatric patients, MLL MLL most commonly occurs following an acute traumatic event which can range from sports injuries, falls, or motor vehicle accidents.…”