Oxytetracycline as a sclerosant in the management of Morel-Lavallee lesions

Morel-Lavallee lesions are haemolymphatic collections that occur following blunt trauma. These are due to closed degloving injuries which cause shearing injury deep to the subcutaneous plane, causing disruption of capillaries and lymphatics. This results in a persistent collection containing blood, lymph and necrotic fat. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice in the evaluation of these post-traumatic lesions. Early diagnosis and management is beneficial and can avoid infection or skin necrosis. Surgical excision, including complete excision of the capsule of the Morel-Lavalle lesion, is required. For recurrent lesions and to prevent recurrence after the primary excision, oxytetracycline instillation, as a sclerosant, is a novel adjunct and we report two successful cases.