The Morel‐Lavallée Lesion: Review and Update on Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Morel‐Lavallée lesion is a closed soft tissue degloving injury usually associated with high‐velocity trauma. It most commonly occurs in the thigh, hip, and pelvis. Because such lesions are prone to a missed or delayed diagnosis, it may present a potential risk of infection at the fracture site once it progresses. Therefore, timely identification and management of Morel‐Lavallée lesion is crucial. Moreover, there are no relevant guidelines for the treatment of Morel‐Lavallée lesion. Based on the above facts, we reviewed the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, treatment, prognosis, and complications of Morel‐Lavallée lesion with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of Morel‐Lavallée lesion, increasing awareness of this injury among orthopaedic surgeons, and thus providing a management algorithm that can be applied to this injury.