Morel-Lavallée lesion of the knee

Case contributed by Ali Abougazia
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Right knee trauma. Persistent pain.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female

Right knee MRI

mri

A 7 x 7 x 1.7 cm subcutaneous elliptical fluid collection eliciting low T1 and high T2/PDFS/STIR signals is seen anterosuperior to the patella enclosed within the splitted deep fascia.

Altered marrow signal of posterior aspect of medial tibial condyle eliciting low T1 and high T2/PDFS/STIR signal.

Minimal intra-articular joint effusion.

Case Discussion

Morel-Lavallée lesion (closed degloving injury) with marrow edema/contusion of the posterior medial tibial condyle.

Although Morel-Lavallée lesion is a name given to this lesion when it occurs over the greater trochanter, similar lesions can occur over the knee due to a similar mechanism.

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