1. What is the Rule of Nines for Burns?

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

Purpose: It helps medical professionals quickly assess burn severity and guide fluid resuscitation and treatment decisions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard Rule of Nines percentages:

Body Region Percentages:

• Head and neck: 9% (front and back)
• Each arm: 9% (4.5% front, 4.5% back)
• Each leg: 18% (9% front, 9% back)
• Front torso: 18%
• Back torso: 18%
• Genitals: 1%

3. Importance of TBSA Calculation

Clinical Significance: Accurate TBSA estimation is critical for:

• Determining fluid resuscitation needs (Parkland formula)
• Assessing burn severity (minor, moderate, major)
• Guiding treatment decisions and transfer to burn centers
• Predicting patient outcomes

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter the percentage burned for each body region. The calculator sums these values to provide total %TBSA burned.

Note: For pediatric patients, different percentages apply (Lund-Browder chart).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What constitutes a major burn?
A: Typically >20% TBSA in adults, >10% in children, or burns involving face, hands, feet, or perineum.

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

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

Q5: How is TBSA used in fluid resuscitation?
A: The Parkland formula uses 4ml × %TBSA × kg body weight for first 24 hours.