Morel Lavallee lesion -a not so rare,but often missed diagnosis

M.Rajeshwari; P.S.Shanthi; R.Kannan; N.Ganapathy

Volume : IX, Issue : I, January - 2020

Morel Lavallee lesion -a not so rare,but often missed diagnosis

M. Rajeshwari, P. S. Shanthi, R. Kannan, N. Ganapathy

Abstract :

Morel–Lavallee 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–Lavallee 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.We present a case of 62year old male patient (hemiplegic) who presented with a swelling at lumbosacral region for 3 months following a trivial trauma.Clinical examination revealed a freely mobile non–tender cystic swelling of size 15cm*8cm with well defined borders at the lumbosacral region just above the gluteal cleft.USG revealed it to be a Hematoma.MRI LS spine revealed it to be a cystic lesion with internal septations, suggestive of Morel Lavallee lesion. Six types of Morel Lavallee lesions are described and this case comes under TYPE 3(Chronic organising hematoma). We intend to present this case to sensitise the readers about the early diagnosis and management of this lesion and in preventing further complications.