Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) are uncommon soft-tissue injuries that can be easily mistaken for other conditions, especially around the knee. CASE REPORT: We present the case of an 18-year-old female athlete who developed a large collection of fluid around the knee after a direct blow to the leg during a wrestling competition. The injury first appeared to be a simple prepatellar bursitis but was later found to be a large fluid collection on magnetic resonance imaging, which measured 9.0 × 2.2 × 18.1 cm and extended from the distal quadriceps to below the tibial tubercle. The patient had a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to drain and clean the area. This procedure was followed by a course of prophylactic antibiotics. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of considering MLLs when evaluating knee swelling and shows that arthroscopic surgery can be an effective and less invasive treatment option for young active patients.