Effect of body armor on simulated landmine blasts to cadaveric legs.

BACKGROUND

Antipersonnel landmine protective footwear relies on blast deflection or on exaggerated standoff between the foot and the explosive. Neither design has been tested for clinical effectiveness.

METHODS

4 cadaveric lower extremities--3 fitted with a Koflach boot incorporating TABRE (Technology for Attenuating Blast Related Energy) were subjected to controlled blast with charges of up to 100 g trinitrotoluene (TNT). The blasts were recorded by a digital recording system. All legs were X-rayed and underwent computed tomography scanning before and after testing.

RESULTS

TABRE-protected limbs directly subjected to the blast hyperextended at the knee during firing. Injuries showed a pattern of open tibial fractures (Gustilo grade I, II), of multiple calcaneal (Sanders Type III, IV), and fibular fractures and of the tibial plateau, but showed no traumatic amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of protective footwear against landmine blast is feasible. From medium mines up to charges of 100 g TNT limb salvage may be possible.