Morel-lavalée lesions treated with debridement and meticulous dead space closure: surgical technique

J Orthop Trauma. 2007 Feb;21(2):140-4. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0b013e31802f19ca.

Abstract

Morel-Lavalée lesions (M-L lesion) can be successfully treated with debridement and meticulous dead space closure on an acute or delayed basis. The technique is simple, reproducible, and involves only one trip to the operating room in all but the open infected lesions. Our series of 24 Morel-Lavalée lesions in 22 patients resulted in no infections or recurrence of fluid collection. Two patients had superficial skin loss treated by local wound management.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Fasciotomy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Pelvis
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery*
  • Subcutaneous Fat / surgery*
  • Thigh
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery*