Radiological features of injuries caused by contact explosions of various grenade types: an experimental study

BACKGROUND: At present, the study of morphological and radiological features of injuries resulting from explosions of various types of explosive devices is of great importance, since under combat conditions the majority of personnel casualties—both wounded and killed—occur as a result of blast trauma.

AIM: The study aimed to identify characteristic features and establish radiological signs of injuries caused by explosions of various types of grenades.

METHODS: It was an experimental single-center uncontrolled study. Explosions of F-1, RGN, RGO fragmentation grenades, and VOG-17 grenade rounds were performed under field conditions at a specially equipped testing range. As biological targets, porcine limb sections (fore and hind shanks) were used to simulate human tissue. After the experimental explosions, radiographic examination of the biological simulants was performed using a Mobicompact R-500 X-ray unit (MTL).

RESULTS: Explosion of defensive grenades (F-1, RGO) produced numerous fragments and demonstrated a pronounced brisant effect. Radiographs showed multiple foreign bodies of metallic density located both near the explosion epicenter and throughout the entire depth of the target. In contrast, offensive grenades (RGN) were characterized predominantly by the action of the blast wave and the formation of fewer fragments with relatively low initial velocity. This resulted in extensive skin and subcutaneous tissue damage with flap-like detachments, fragmentation of muscle fibers, and air pockets along wound tracts. Radiographic examination of biological simulants after VOG-17 detonation revealed single polymorphic foreign bodies (metallic and plastic), air pockets along wound tracts, and bone fractures with fragment displacement and longitudinal fissures.

CONCLUSION: This experimental study indicated that the radiological appearance of damaged object—including fracture patterns, soft-tissue destruction, and the number and morphology of foreign bodies—can be used to determine the type and class of explosive device involved.