Morel-Lavallée Lesion on the Left Calf of a Young Ghanaian Female – A Case Report

Abstract

Objective: Morel-Lavallée lesions are frequently misdiagnosed soft tissue injuries. They are closed degloving injuries associated with high energy trauma with shearing forces. In this report, we discuss the challenges in making early diagnosis and instituting timely and appropriate management of such cases.
Case Presentation:The index patient is a 36-year-old female who presented with a 3-week history of fluctuant and tender
left leg swelling associated with skin bruises after experiencing a blunt trauma secondary to a motor vehicular accident. Ultrasound findings of the left leg showed a collection with internal echoes and septations occupying a space between the subcutaneous area and superficial fascia of the upper and middle third of the left leg. We made a diagnosis of a Morel-Lavallée lesion and performed an open
debridement and irrigation.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance as misdiagnosis and delayed