What is the rule of nines used for burn victims?

 

A: After suffering a serious burn injury in an accident, your doctor will likely give you a number that describes how much of your body was burned.  This number is important for doctors, as it gives them a guide as to what kind of treatment you need to get better.

Your doctor may use the ‘rule of nines’ method to determine how much of your body was affected by burns, known as the total body surface area (TBSA) involved.  The rule of nines assigns areas of your body a percentage value (these values are often modified for children, as their body proportions are different):

• Your and neck are worth 9 percent
• The front of your torso is worth 18 percent
• The back of your torso is worth 18 percent
• Your arms are worth 9 percent each
• Your legs are worth 18 percent each
• Your pubic area is worth 1 percent

By adding up the areas of your body affected, your doctor will arrive at your TBSA number.