IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Morel-Lavallée lesion

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Motorcycle accident. Thigh and knee edema.

Patient Data

Age: 32 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

No bony abnormality or fracture. Diffuse subcutaneous edema. 

ultrasound

Overlying the lateral aspect of the right thigh there is a hypoattenuating cystic lesion with some internal debris interposed between the subcutaneous fat and fascial layers extending over 25 cm in the craniocaudal axis consistent with a Morrell-Lavallee lesion. 

Knee (selected images)

mri

Diffuse soft tissue edema and the previously described Morrell-Lavalle soft tissue injury are again demonstrated.  

Case Discussion

Appearances of a shearing of the subcutaneous tissues away from underlying fascia on the medial aspect of the right thigh consistent Morel-Lavallée lesion. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.