A minimally invasive incision and loop drainage technique for the treatment of lower limb Morel-Lavallée lesions: Nose ring drainage technique

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) are shearing injuries resulting in separation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. They are closed internal degloving injuries. Classical sites of the lesions are around the greater trochanter, pelvis, thigh, knee joint, and on the head, in decreasing order of frequency. This injury is often delayed or misdiagnosed when patients present with soft tissue injury alone or when more obvious injuries distract from its presence in polytrauma patients. There is currently no universally accepted treatment for these lesions. Conservative management often fails and requires surgical intervention. The purpose of this manuscript is to show that nose ring drainage, a minimally invasive incision and loop drainage technique for the treatment of lower limb Morel-Lavallée lesions, is effective and economical.