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Morel-Lavallée Lesion in Sports
Morteza Khodaee1, Rajwinder S Deu, Seth Mathern
11Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, AFW Clinic, Denver, CO; 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; 3Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO; 4Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
Posttraumatic soft tissue swelling in athletes requires thorough evaluation. Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL), a rare closed degloving injury, need specific diagnostic and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Posttraumatic soft tissue swelling is common in athletes, presenting a broad differential diagnosis.
- A comprehensive evaluation including history, physical examination, and imaging is recommended.
- Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) is an uncommon closed degloving injury, often associated with severe trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the diagnosis and management of posttraumatic soft tissue swelling in athletes.
- To highlight Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL) as a specific, though rare, cause of such swelling.
- To review current therapeutic strategies for MLL.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic modalities for soft tissue swelling.
- Focus on imaging techniques: radiography, ultrasound, and MRI.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic aspiration, particularly under ultrasound guidance.
Main Results:
- Soft tissue swelling in athletes necessitates a systematic diagnostic approach.
- Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL) are rare sports-related injuries, often underreported.
- Imaging and aspiration are key diagnostic and management tools for MLL.
Conclusions:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of posttraumatic soft tissue swelling is crucial for athletes.
- Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL) require specific consideration within the differential diagnosis.
- Treatment for MLL varies from conservative measures to surgical intervention based on lesion characteristics.
