Percutaneous drainage of Morel-Lavallée lesions when the diagnosis is delayed

Can J Surg. 2014 Oct;57(5):356-7. doi: 10.1503/cjs.034413.

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions are a closed internal degloving, and open débridement can damage the only remaining blood supply to the skin. We performed percutaneous draining and débridement to treat 8 patients in whom the diagnosis of Morel-Lavallée lesions was delayed more than 1 week. Here we discuss our treatment procedures and the outcomes in these 8 patients. We consider percutaneous drainage to be an effective treatment for patients with delayed diagnosis of Morel-Lavallée lesions.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Debridement / methods
  • Delayed Diagnosis*
  • Drainage / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Wound Healing