What is the initial percentage of burned body surface to be expected in patients with extensive torso burns?

In patients with extensive torso burns, the initial percentage of burned body surface area can be assessed using the Rule of Nines, which is a widely accepted method for estimating the total body surface area affected by burns. According to this rule, the trunk (torso) represents a significant portion of the total body surface area.

For an adult, the anterior and posterior trunk (torso) combined accounts for approximately 36% of the total body surface area. This means that if a patient has extensive burns on their torso, the initial estimate of the burn size is indeed around 36%.

Understanding this percentage is crucial for guiding treatment and management decisions, such as fluid resuscitation and potential transfer to specialized burn units. Accurately assessing the percentage of body surface area affected by burns helps medical professionals to better evaluate the severity of the burns and plan for appropriate care.