Abstract
Introduction
Degloving soft-tissue injuries are serious and potentially devastating medical conditions
where an early recognition is a crucial step for a favorable outcome. One of the most
important types is Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL); a significant soft-tissue injury
associated with pelvic trauma (30%) and thigh (20%), located over the greater trochanter.
Material and methods
In this retrospective study we selected adult patients diagnosed with MLL between
2010 and 2019 at our trauma center. We then identified 9 cases and followed them up
for a minimum of two years. CT scans were performed to measure the size of the degloved
zone.
Results
we did not found direct relationship between greater dimensions of MLL injury and
the need for an increase of days to return to work. We rather identified an association
between bigger dimensions of MLL injury and higher energy trauma. These patients waited
an average of 133 days to return to work after being injured; which is a longer period
compared to non-op patients.
Discussion
MLL lesions generally take several days to develop and many may be missed on initial
evaluation. Once identified, compression dressings should be applied, especially when
diagnosed acutely. Early identification would lead to early operative debridement.
Also, drainage should be performed, since the pathophysiology of the injury will result
in the failure of observation or simple aspiration.
Conclusion
MLL diagnosis and treatment must be identified as early as possible. We didn't find
a correlation between MLL size and the treatment performed. In our study all patients
returned to their jobs and normal life. Patients following conservative treatment
take longer time to recover and could require more patient's implication, but -at
least- would avoid possible surgical complications.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 22, 2022
Accepted:
October 21,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
