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.