Morel-Lavallée lesion

Background

• Posttraumatic, closed degloving injury
• Results in subcutaneous fluid collection after abrupt separation of skin and subcutaneous tissues from underlying fascia
  • Disrupts capillaries and lymphatics resulting in leakage of lymph, blood, and necrotic fat
• Most commonly seen in proximal thigh
  • Also reported in trunk, prepatellar region, lumbar region, or scapular regions
• If not diagnosed early, can become infected

Clinical Features

• Enlarging, painful area of swelling
• Soft tissue fluctuance