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Case Reports
. 2023 Nov 17;16(11):e253510.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253510.

Cervico-thoracic Morel-Lavallée lesion

Andrew James Hughes  1 , Vinay Mathew Joseph  2 , Kunal Roy  2 , Laura Lougher  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Cervico-thoracic Morel-Lavallée lesion

Andrew James Hughes et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) result from high-energy trauma causing separation of subcutaneous tissue from the underlying tissue, most commonly in the gluteal region or thigh.We report the case of a woman in her 40s with a fluctuant collection of the cervico-thoracic region following trauma. Further imaging identified an MLL. An orthoplastic approach resulted in non-operative management with a spinal brace. Three months from initial injury, the lesion completely resolved. She was symptom free at final follow-up and discharged.We present the only recorded case of MLL developing in the cervico-thoracic region. Management posed difficultly as no literature currently exists. We demonstrated conservative management for cervico-thoracic MLL can be effective.We have described the first documented case of cervico-thoracic MLL. MLL is not exclusive to pelvic injuries and can develop in the cervico-thoracic region. We have shown conservative management is a viable treatment of atypical MLL.

Keywords: Orthopaedic and trauma surgery; Plastic and reconstructive surgery; Radiology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(A) T1-weighted MRI sagittal view MLL cervico-thoracic spine. (B) T2-weighted MRI stir sagittal view MLL cervico-thoracic spine both at the time of injury.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A) T2-weighted MRI transverse view MLL cervico-thoracic spine and (B) T2 sagittal view MLL cervico-thoracic spine, both at the time of injury.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A) T2-weighted MRI sagittal view MLL cervico-thoracic spine 3 months post injury and (B) T1-weighted MRI sagittal view 3 months post injury.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(A) T1-weighted MRI axial view MLL cervico-thoracic spine and (B) T2-weighted MRI axial view. both taken at 3 months post injury.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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