Noninvasive Management of a Large Morel-Lavallée Lesion

Abstract

A 38-year-old with ankylosing spondylitis presented to a sports medicine clinic following a traumatic cycling accident. Physical exam found pain, swelling and ecchymosis overlying the proximal thigh. Point of care ultrasound revealed an underlying large hematoma causing a closed degloving of the overlying tissue or a Morel-Lavallée lesions. MRI confirmed size of the lesion and diagnosis made previously. The patient was treated conservatively without any invasive procedures, infection and with excellent pain control. He returned to cycling successfully and has had no adverse side effects. This case demonstrates the use ultrasound in the early detection of this type of injury as well as the use of noninvasive techniques not previously demonstrated on a lesion of the size presented.