Recurrence of symptoms may indicate the presence of a Morel-Lavallée lesion of the knee: A case report and literature review

Case: An 81 year old male with four failed aspirations presented with recurrent knee swelling following irrigation and debridement, which suggested the presence of a Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL). This diagnosis was intraoperatively confirmed by separation of the tissue layers forming a space with acc...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: John J. Heifner, Tyler M. Small, Yitzak M. Fox, Robert Ogg, Arturo Corces
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2023-08-01
Series:Trauma Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352644023000900
Description
Summary:Case: An 81 year old male with four failed aspirations presented with recurrent knee swelling following irrigation and debridement, which suggested the presence of a Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL). This diagnosis was intraoperatively confirmed by separation of the tissue layers forming a space with accumulated fluid. Treatment consisted of doxycycline sclerodesis and tight closure of the tissue layers. The patient had a satisfactory outcome at 4 months. Conclusion: Resolution of Morel-Lavallée lesions requires prompt recognition and appropriate treatment. In the presence of a different diagnosis, recurrence of symptoms following treatment may indicate an MLL. Surgical treatment with doxycycline sclerodesis resulted in resolution of symptoms.
ISSN:2352-6440