ortho-trauma emergency

Rule of Nines — Burns Body Surface Area

Estimates total body surface area (TBSA) burned using the Wallace Rule of Nines. Adult values differ from paediatric. Used to guide fluid resuscitation (Parkland Formula), hospital admission, and burn centre referral criteria.

Used in: Burns

Score interpretation

Minor Burns (<10% TBSA) 0–9

Burns <10% TBSA — minor burn injury

→ Wound care; analgesia; consider outpatient management if <5% TBSA, superficial partial thickness, no special areas; return precautions given; follow-up in 24–48h

Moderate Burns (10–25% TBSA) 10–24

Burns 10–25% TBSA — moderate burn injury

→ Hospital admission; IV access; Parkland fluid resuscitation; IV analgesia; wound assessment; early burns team involvement; nutrition planning; monitor urine output (target 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr)

Major Burns (>25% TBSA) 25–100

Burns >25% TBSA — major burn injury

→ Burns centre transfer; aggressive IV resuscitation (Parkland formula); airway management — early intubation if facial/airway burns; IV opioid analgesia; temperature management; early escharotomy if circumferential; multidisciplinary burns team; family communication

Interpretation bands for the Rule of Nines. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Wallace AB. The exposure treatment of burns. Lancet. 1951;1(6653):501–504.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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