Morel-Lavallee lesion

Abstract

Morel-Lavallee lesions, or closed internal degloving injuries, are most common in the subcutaneous tissues of the proximal thigh and trochanter. Bilateral lesions are rare. These post-traumatic fluid collections can be isolated or associated with concomitant pelvic fractures. Morel-Lavallee lesions may present as a pseudotumor when not recognized in the early post-traumatic period. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice in the evaluation of Morel-Lavallee lesions. The identification of a capsule on MRI can have important management implications.