The rule of nines is a method used to estimate the percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected by a burn. This helps medical professionals quickly assess the severity of a burn and determine the appropriate treatment.
The rule divides the body into areas that each represent 9% of the total BSA, with some exceptions:
- Head and neck: 9%
- Each arm: 9%
- Each leg: 18% (front and back combined)
- Anterior torso: 18%
- Posterior torso: 18%
- Genitals: 1%
The rule of nines is a helpful tool for rapid burn assessment, especially in emergency situations. It can help determine the need for fluid resuscitation, the extent of skin grafting, and the overall prognosis for recovery.
Example: If a person has a burn on their entire left arm and the front of their left leg, the estimated BSA affected would be 27% (9% for the arm + 9% for the front of the leg).
