Rule of Nines for Estimating Burn Area

Introduction to Rule of Nines for Estimating Burn Area

The rule of nines is a method used in calculating the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns. The anatomical body regions are divided into percentages of total body surface area to assess burns. The rule assigns nine divisions to the head and each upper limb and 18 divisions to the front and back of the trunk, and each lower limb. Each body segment represents 9% or some multiple of 9% of total body surface area. This formula allows estimation of the burn area in relation to the patient's age.

Parameter usage:

• age = the patient's age
• percentageBurned = the percentage of the body surface area affected by burns

Example valid values:

• age = 30
• percentageBurned = 18

Output:

• estimatedBurnArea = estimated burn area

Data validation

The percentageBurned should be between 0 and 100. The age should be a positive number.

Summary

This formula provides a quick estimation of the burn area based on the rule of nines, helping in the triage and initial assessment of burn patients.