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 fluid resuscitation needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard percentages:

Body Region Percentages:

• Head: 9% (4.5% anterior, 4.5% posterior)
• Each arm: 9% (4.5% anterior, 4.5% posterior)
• Each leg: 18% (9% anterior, 9% posterior)
• Front torso: 18%
• Back torso: 18%
• Genitals: 1%

3. Importance of Burn Surface Area Calculation

Clinical Significance: Accurate TBSA estimation is critical for:

• Determining burn severity
• Calculating fluid resuscitation needs
• Guiding treatment decisions
• Predicting patient outcomes

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter the percentage burned for each body region. The calculator automatically sums the percentages.

Note: For pediatric patients, different percentages apply (head is larger relative to body).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How does this differ for children?
A: Children have proportionally larger heads (up to 18% in infants) and smaller legs.

Q3: What about partial thickness vs full thickness burns?
A: The Rule of Nines estimates total area; depth is assessed separately.

Q4: When is the Rule of Nines not appropriate?
A: For scattered burns, use the "palmar method" (patient's palm = ~1% TBSA).

Q5: How does this relate to fluid resuscitation?
A: The Parkland formula uses %TBSA to calculate fluid requirements (4ml × %TBSA × kg).