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Chronic Morel‐Lavallée Lesion Treated With Percutaneous Ultrasonic Debridement

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Morel-Lavallée lesion is defined as an internal degloving injury. A trauma involving shearing forces causes separation of the superficial fascia from the overlying subcutaneous tissue and skin, creating a potential space for hemolymphatic fluid to accumulate. This leads to the development of a self-resolving or potentially chronic collection. Classically, lesions arise in the lateral thigh. Imaging features depend on the duration of the lesion. Acutely, ultrasound and MR imaging will demonstrate a hematoma-like mass that is parallel to the underlying fascia. As the lesion evolves over time, calcifications with a dense capsule can form. Patients typically present with a persistent, localized swelling and pain that may radiate throughout the thigh. Initially, conservative therapy can be efficient; however, once a capsule forms, surgical management is the current gold standard therapy. Tenex (Tenex Health, Lake Forest, CA) is a device that uses high-frequency ultrasonic waves to perform percutaneous debridement to disrupt and remove calcifications in the setting of various chronic musculoskeletal conditions. This case describes the successful use of this technology in a 68-year-old female with a 10-year history of a Morel-Lavallée lesion. Treatment of Morel-Lavallée lesions using the Tenex device is a feasible, minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgery.
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,350
OpenAlex ID: W4414248174
FWCI: 2.677
Cites: 14
Cited by: 3
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