The Rule of Nines looks at the total body surface area (TBSA) of the burn victim.
- Divides the body into sections; each corresponding to 9% of TBSA of the average adult
- Remaining 1% accounts for genetalia and perineum
- Can be used initially before the person is admitted to the hospital, but burn size should be estimated again using a burn size estimation chart; this provides a more accurate assessment. Based on age, different burn depths, and divides body into smaller section
- Examples:
- Arm = 9%
- Anterior torso = 18%
- Posterior torso = 18%
- Each leg = 18%