Rule of Nines Formula:
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The Rule of Nines is a method used to estimate the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns in adults. It divides the body into sections that represent 9% or multiples of 9% of the total body surface area, allowing for quick assessment of burn extent.
The calculator uses the Rule of Nines formula:
Where each body part proportion represents the fraction of that area affected (0-1):
Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of body surface area affected by burns based on the proportional involvement of each anatomical region.
Details: Accurate TBSA estimation is crucial for determining burn severity, guiding fluid resuscitation, planning treatment, and predicting outcomes in burn patients.
Tips: Enter the proportion (0-1) of each body part that is affected by burns. Use 1 for fully affected areas, 0.5 for half-affected areas, etc. All values must be between 0 and 1.
Q1: Why is the Rule of Nines used?
A: It provides a quick, standardized method for estimating burn extent, which is essential for initial treatment decisions and fluid resuscitation calculations.
Q2: What are the TBSA percentages for different body parts?
A: Head and each arm: 9%, each leg, anterior trunk, and posterior trunk: 18%, genitals: 1%.
Q3: How accurate is the Rule of Nines?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate for initial assessment but may be less accurate in obese patients, children, or those with unusual body proportions.
Q4: When should more precise methods be used?
A: For critical decisions or when precise measurement is needed, Lund and Browder charts or digital mapping systems provide more accurate TBSA calculations.
Q5: How does this differ for pediatric patients?
A: Children have different body proportions, so modified rules (e.g., Lund and Browder chart) are used for accurate TBSA estimation in pediatric burn patients.