Cartesian positioning system for localization of blast and ballistic fragments: a phantom-based pilot study

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Forensic Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate localization of retained blast fragments is crucial for wound path analysis.
• Current methods may lack objective standardization, impacting forensic and medical assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the consistency of radiologists' 3D measurements of simulated blast fragment locations.
• To establish a foundation for objective localization of retained fragments and wound paths.

Main Methods:

• A phantom with 10 simulated blast fragments (nail heads) was created.
• Computed tomography (CT) imaging was used to record fragment coordinates (x, y, z).
• Three radiologists independently measured fragment locations, and agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Main Results:

• The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for each dimension exceeded 0.99, indicating excellent agreement.
• Summed differences in coordinate positions ranged from 0.00 to 1.204 cm (mean: 0.732 cm).
• Minimal discrepancy was observed in the measured locations of simulated fragments among readers.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists demonstrate high consistency in 3D localization of simulated blast fragments.
• This consistent measurement capability supports objective trajectory analysis.
• Findings facilitate automated organ damage reporting and aid forensic and epidemiological studies.