The Lund and Browder chart, also known as the rule of nines, is a commonly used tool in healthcare for quickly estimating the extent of a burn injury. The chart divides the body into 11 areas of roughly equal size, each of which represents 9% of the total body surface area (BSA). These areas include the head and neck (9%), anterior trunk (18%), posterior trunk (18%), right upper limb (9%), left upper limb (9%), right lower limb (18%), left lower limb (18%), and the genitalia (1%). By adding the percentages of the affected areas, healthcare professionals can rapidly determine the total BSA affected by the burn.
Lund and Browder Chart: An In-Depth Look at the Structure of Rule of Nines
The Lund and Browder chart is a visual tool used by healthcare professionals to estimate the percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected by a burn. It is a simple and quick way to calculate the extent of the burn, which is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Structure
The Lund and Browder chart is divided into two main sections:
- Adult Chart: For individuals aged 15 years and older.
- Pediatric Chart: For children aged 0 to 14 years.
Adult Chart
| Region | Percentage of BSA |
|---|---|
| Head and neck | 9% |
| Right upper limb | 9% |
| Left upper limb | 9% |
| Right lower limb | 18% |
| Left lower limb | 18% |
| Anterior trunk | 18% |
| Posterior trunk | 18% |
| Genitalia | 1% |
Pediatric Chart
| Age Group (years) | Head and Neck | Right Upper Limb | Left Upper Limb | Right Lower Limb | Left Lower Limb | Anterior Trunk | Posterior Trunk | Genitalia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | 18% | 9% | 9% | 13.5% | 13.5% | 18% | 18% | 1% |
| 1-4 | 17% | 9% | 9% | 14% | 14% | 17% | 17% | 1% |
| 5-9 | 16% | 9% | 9% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 1% |
| 10-14 | 14% | 9% | 9% | 18% | 18% | 16% | 16% | 1% |
How to Use the Chart
To estimate the BSA of a burn using the Lund and Browder chart:
- Divide the body region into the corresponding percentage listed in the chart.
- Add up the percentages for all affected regions.
- The total represents the approximate BSA of the burn.
Example Calculation
- Adult with a second-degree burn on the right hand (9% BSA) and a third-degree burn on the left arm (9% BSA).
- BSA of right hand: 9%
- BSA of left arm: 9%
- Total BSA: 9% (right hand) + 9% (left arm) = 18%
Note: The Lund and Browder chart is an approximation tool. It may not be accurate for patients with burns in unusual locations or with certain anatomical variations. In such cases, alternative methods of BSA estimation should be considered.
Question 1:
What is the purpose of Lund and Browder’s rule of nines chart?
Answer:
Lund and Browder’s rule of nines chart provides a quick and easy method for estimating the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned in adults and children over 1 year old.
Question 2:
What are the different body regions included in the rule of nines chart?
Answer:
The rule of nines chart includes the following body regions:
- Head and neck: 9% (4.5% each)
- Trunk (front and back): 18% (9% each)
- Arms (both): 18% (9% each)
- Legs (both): 36% (18% each)
- Genitalia (male/female): 1%
Question 3:
How is the rule of nines chart used in estimating TBSA burn injury?
Answer:
To estimate TBSA burn injury using the rule of nines chart:
- Determine the percentage of each body region affected by the burn.
- Multiply the percentage of each region by 9% for adults or by the appropriate percentage for children under 1 year old.
- Add the percentages together to obtain the total TBSA burned.
Alright guys, that’s all I had for today on the Rule of Nines! I hope this article helped you learn more about this useful tool. If you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up anytime—I’m always happy to chat about first aid and safety.
Thanks for reading, and hope to see you again soon for more informative and engaging content!