1. What is the Rule of Nines?

Definition: The Rule of Nines is a method used to estimate the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns.

Purpose: It helps medical professionals quickly assess burn severity and determine appropriate treatment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Rule of Nines formula:

Where:

• Head — 9% of total body surface area
• Each Arm — 9% (total 18% for both arms)
• Each Leg — 18% (total 36% for both legs)
• Front Torso — 18%
• Back Torso — 18%
• Genitals — 1%

Explanation: The percentages assigned to each body region are added together to calculate the total burn surface area.

3. Importance of Burn Surface Area Calculation

Details: Accurate TBSA estimation is critical for fluid resuscitation, prognosis determination, and treatment planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the percentage burned for each body region. The calculator automatically sums these values to provide the total body surface area affected.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What constitutes a major burn?
A: Typically burns covering >20% TBSA in adults or >10% in children, or burns involving specific critical areas.

Q2: How does this differ for children?
A: Children have proportionally larger heads (up to 18%) and smaller legs, requiring adjustment of the percentages.

Q3: What about partial thickness burns?
A: Only include areas with partial thickness (2nd degree) or full thickness (3rd degree) burns in your calculation.

Q4: When is the Rule of Nines not appropriate?
A: For very small burns or irregular burn patterns, the "palm method" (patient's palm = ~1% TBSA) may be more accurate.

Q5: How does this affect fluid resuscitation?
A: The Parkland formula uses TBSA to calculate fluid requirements (4ml × %TBSA × kg body weight in first 24 hours).