Why is Lund-Browder preferred over Rule of Nines in children?

The Rule of Nines assigns 9% to the head in adults, but infants have heads proportionally larger (18%) and legs proportionally smaller. Lund-Browder accounts for these age-specific proportions, providing more accurate TBSA calculations.

What TBSA burned requires fluid resuscitation in children?

Fluid resuscitation is generally initiated for burns involving 10-15% TBSA or more in children, compared to 20% or more in adults, because children have less physiological reserve and decompensate more rapidly.

How do body proportions change from infancy to adulthood?

At birth, the head accounts for approximately 18% of BSA and each leg approximately 14%. By age 10, the head decreases to approximately 13% and legs increase to approximately 17% each. By adulthood, the head is approximately 9% and each leg approximately 18%, matching the Rule of Nines.

Pediatric Burn Surface Area (Lund-Browder)

Estimate TBSA burned in pediatric patients using Lund-Browder chart which accounts for age-related body proportion differences (head larger proportion in infants).

Use the full interactive calculator below, or

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Lund-Browder preferred over Rule of Nines in children?

What TBSA burned requires fluid resuscitation in children?

How do body proportions change from infancy to adulthood?