T31.5: Burns involving 50-59% of body surface

Burns involving 50-59% of body surface area (T31.5) represent a significant injury that can have severe consequences on a person's health. This designation refers to the total body area that has experienced tissue damage due to exposure to intense heat, flame, hot liquids, chemical substances, electricity, or radiation. Both the depth and the extent of the burn are pivotal in determining immediate treatment needs and prognosis. Symptoms of significant burns include pain, redness, swelling, and blistering, however in severe cases, nerve damage may reduce or eliminate sensation in the affected areas. Furthermore, these burns frequently affect more than just the skin, damaging underlying tissues including fat, muscle, blood vessels and in some cases bone. Additional complications are common, such as fluid loss leading to shock, infections, and systemic inflammatory reactions leading to organ failure. This classification of burns typically requires hospitalization and specialized burn center care.