Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Rule of Nines
Method for estimating burn surface area by dividing the body into regions representing 9% of total body surface.
Full Definition
The Rule of Nines is a quick assessment tool used to estimate the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns. It divides the adult body into anatomical regions, each representing approximately 9% or multiples of 9% of the total body surface area. The head and neck represent 9%, each arm 9%, the anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, each leg 18%, and the perineum 1%. This method is less accurate for children and infants, where the Lund and Browder chart is preferred.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Rule of Nines' when referring to the specific assessment method.
In Context
- "Using the Rule of Nines, the emergency physician estimated 18% TBSA involvement." — Emergency department note
- "The Rule of Nines provides a rapid assessment tool for initial triage decisions." — Training manual
Also known as
Wallace Rule of Nines
Don't confuse with
Lund and Browder chart
palm method