Outpatient Management of a Pediatric Morel-Lavallée Lesion: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pediatric Morel-Lavallée lesions are infrequent and may present in atypical locations. A 3-year-old boy presented with a nontender, mobile, cystic swelling on the medial aspect of his left distal thigh, 2 weeks after a road traffic accident. The diagnosis was confirmed using 3D ultrasonography. The lesion was treated with percutaneous aspiration and drainage without anesthesia, followed by an elastic compression bandage on an outpatient basis. Subsequent follow-up showed no recurrence, and the patient achieved full functional status within 4 weeks and was asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up.

Percutaneous aspiration and drainage without anesthesia is a safe and effective outpatient treatment for children without fractures.