Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report
Authors:
Fatmah Abdulziz Alsomali,
Imad Khojahm,
Uthman Alamoudi
Background: Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs), also known as degloving injuries, are uncommon traumatic soft tissue injuries resulting from the separation of the superficial fascia from the deep fascia, typically due to high-energy trauma or shear forces. This separation leads to fluid accumulation and disruption of skin vascularity, placing the overlying skin at risk for necrosis and infection. MLLs can mimic other soft tissue injuries, such as hematomas, and are often associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old man presented with left thigh swelling persisting for three weeks following a motorcycle crash. Initial imaging with X-rays revealed no fractures, and point-of-care ultrasound identified a large encapsulated fluid collection consistent with MLL. Subsequent computed tomography angiography ruled out vascular injury and confirmed a subcutaneous fluid collection measuring 10.6 cm × 32.0 cm. Conservative management, including compression bandaging and prophylactic antibiotics, was initially recommended; however, after surgical review, ultrasound-guided drainage was performed to mitigate the risk of skin necrosis. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 48 hours after the procedure. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for MLLs in patients with post-traumatic swelling, even in the absence of fractures or significant injuries. Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to reduce the risk of complications. Point-of-care ultrasound and computed tomography are valuable diagnostic tools in emergency settings, particularly for patients with contraindications to contrast agents. Future guidelines should emphasize clinical vigilance and the role of advanced imaging in managing MLLs effectively.
Keywords: Morel-Lavallée lesion, degloving injury, traumatic soft tissue injury, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), computed tomography angiography.
Authors
Fatmah Abdulziz Alsomali
Emergency Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Emergency Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Imad Khojahm
Emergency Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Emergency Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Uthman Alamoudi
Emergency Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Emergency Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Correspondence to:
Fatmah Abdulziz Alsomali, Emergency Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Emergency Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia alsomalifatmah@gmail.com
Publication history:
Received 22 Nov 2024
Accepted 28 Nov 2024
Alsomali FA, Khojahm I, Alamoudi U. Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report. SJEMed. Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali FA, Khojahm I, Alamoudi U. Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report. https://sjemed.com/?mno=229253 [Access: January 22, 2025]. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali FA, Khojahm I, Alamoudi U. Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report. SJEMed. Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali FA, Khojahm I, Alamoudi U. Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report. SJEMed, [cited January 22, 2025]; Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali, F. A., Khojahm, . I. & Alamoudi, . U. (2025) Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report. SJEMed, Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali, Fatmah Abdulziz, Imad Khojahm, and Uthman Alamoudi. 2025. Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report. Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine, Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali, Fatmah Abdulziz, Imad Khojahm, and Uthman Alamoudi. "Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report." Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali, Fatmah Abdulziz, Imad Khojahm, and Uthman Alamoudi. "Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report." Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. Web. 22 Jan 2025 doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331
Alsomali, F. A., Khojahm, . I. & Alamoudi, . U. (2025) Degloving Injury of the Thigh: A Case Report. Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine, Online First: 28 Dec, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1731924331