Surgical Treatment of a Chronic Morel-Lavallée Lesion: A Case Report

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) are a post-traumatic degloving injury which the superficial fascia and skin are separated from the deep fascia through shearing forces. This process leads to the development of a potential space in which blood products and necrotic material can collect, potentially resulting in abscesses, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis. Most of these cases occur at the greater trochanter, gluteal musculature, proximal femur, and around the knee. However, there have been few reports of MLLs occurring in the lumbar region. In this report, we seek to present our experience with a case of a lumbar MLL and outline the diagnostic and operative management utilized.

A 48-year-old female presented to our clinic with complaints of persistent low back and swelling 1 month after sustaining a fall from stand resulting in an L5 transverse process fracture. The patient was treated non-operatively but continued to have swelling noted to the lower back. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a large subcutaneous fluid collection measuring 15 cm×16 cm×7 cm centralized over the lower lumbar region. We elected to proceed with operative evacuation of the fluid collection. A 2 cm midline incision over the proximal aspect of the fluid collection was made and approximately 900 ml of serosanguinous fluid was evacuated. The cavity was then irrigated with a normal saline 0.9%/betadine solution and a wound vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) sponge was placed. The post-operative course was unremarkable and the wound VAC was discontinued at the first post-operative visit. The surgical incision went on to heal uneventfully with no signs of infection or fluid reaccumulation.

Although MLLs are rare, clinicians should maintain a high clinical suspicion in patients presenting after blunt trauma injuries with persistent pain, and fluid collections noted on advanced imaging. Conservative management can be initiated if discovered acutely, but if left untreated may require surgical intervention and evacuation of fluid as described in this case.