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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Hematoma
• Doxycycline
• Impact injury
• Morel-Lavallée lesion
• Sclerodesis
• Sclerotherapy