title: All That Swells Is Not A Bruise The Morel-Lavallée Lesion.
abstract: Frequently overlooked, Morel-Lavallée lesions are associated with a closed degloving or shearing mechanism causing a dehiscence of underlying soft tissue with formation of a potential space. This space fills with blood, lymph, and cellular debris, giving the lesion a fluctuant appearance on examination. The potential space associated with larger lesions can be a source for hemorrhage in the appropriate clinical context. However, these lesions are often diagnosed late in their clinical course or are misdiagnosed, leading to long-term complications. Management of this injury typically depends upon the size of the lesion. This article discusses a Morel-Lavallée lesion in an active-duty Servicemember requiring treatment by a plastic surgeon and includes the pathophysiology of Morel-Lavallée lesions, diagnostic strategies, and management pearls.
authors.forename: Carol L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Callahan
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eisenman
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014481:United States