Best Practice Case Studies-Case 121 Asset 4 Ultrasound Evaluation of Morel-Lavallee Lesions

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation focused on diagnosing and managing a Morel-Lavallée lesion, a closed degloving injury caused by shearing trauma that creates a fluid collection between tissue planes. Dr. Guy Nicolette reviewed the condition’s background and emphasized that these injuries can lead to cosmetic deformity if not recognized early.<br /><br />He presented a case of a 22-year-old woman who developed swelling and ecchymosis of the medial thigh after a tractor tire fell on her leg during a workout. Ultrasound was used systematically, beginning with bony landmarks and then tracing the anterior thigh anatomy to evaluate muscles, fascial planes, and vascular structures. Imaging revealed a fluid collection between the sartorius and vastus medialis, with internal debris, consistent with a Morel-Lavallée lesion rather than muscle tear or hematoma.<br /><br />The lesion was aspirated, yielding serosanguineous fluid. Because it partially reaccumulated, repeat aspirations were performed over the following days, ultimately leading to good resolution and minimal cosmetic change.<br /><br />Discussion highlighted key ultrasound features: fluid located deep to subcutaneous tissue but superficial to deep fascia, compressibility, encapsulation in delayed cases, and internal debris. Speakers stressed that ultrasound enables faster diagnosis, earlier treatment, and better outcomes, especially in sports-related trauma.

Meta Tag

Edition 4th Edition

Related Case 4th Edition, Case 121

Topic Dermatology

Keywords

4th Edition

4th Edition, Case 121

Dermatology

Morel-Lavallée lesion

closed degloving injury

ultrasound diagnosis

shearing trauma

fluid collection

serosanguineous aspiration

sports-related trauma