Objective To analyze the incidence, fatality, types and characteristics of blast injuries in modern warfare, so as to provide reference for developing effective treatment measures on battle field and for establishing war wound database. Methods Retrieval strategy and literature inclusion criteria were obtained according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), and all the literatures on the incidences, characteristics, mechanisms and special injury conditions of blast injuries were retrieved. Results A total of 31 articles were included in the analyses, consisting of 32 474 blast injury casualties of US army during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom (including Operation New Dawn), the Cole attack incident and the combat conflict in Croatia. The incidence of blast injuries was 15.8%-89.5% on the head, face and neck, 1.8%-80.8% on the trunk, 45.2%-96.6% on the limb, and 15.4%-70.6% on other parts. According to the analyses of different injury mechanisms, impact injuries and penetrating injuries caused by explosions in open spaces accounted for the main part, while burns were the main injuries caused by explosions in closed spaces such as explosions in ship cabin. The most severe blast injuries was caused by fixed explosive device, and strong injury control and surgical resuscitation forces should be deployed. Conclusion Most of the casualty data are from the mature war wound database of the US army, which provides the data basis for trauma epidemiology research. A war wound database of PLA should be established as soon as possible to provide basic data for developing war wound treatment guidelines and improving protective equipment and comprehensive medical support.