Imaging Findings of the Morel-Lavellée Lesion

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the Morel-Lavellée lesion (MLL),which described as degloving injury of the subcutaneous fatty tissue.Methods: MRI features of fifteen patients in whom the diagnosis of MLL was established by clinically or surgery retrospec-tively analyzed.Results: All the lesions were located in the lower extremities, and 86.6% (n=13) were located at the knee level or above. Alllesions had an anatomic relationship with deep fascia. The majority of the lesions were in either fusiform or crescentic form.60% (n=9) of the lesions showed a well-defined smooth contour. Pseudocapsules were observed in nine patients (60%).46.6% (n=7) of the lesions had a homogeneous signal property. The intralesional hemorrhagic signal was observed in 26.6%(n=4) of the lesions and intra-lesional fat signal in 46.6% (n=7). One patient had fluid-fluid leveling. In two cases, muscleinjury were accompanied by the MLL. In all cases, no associated bone lesion was noted.Discussion and Conclusion: MLL should be considered if a well-circumscribed, crescentic or fusiform subcutaneous masslesion in association with the deep fascia is present, especially in the presence of a history of previous trauma.