Pediatric Trampoline Injuries

Abstract

Trampolines are a high-risk activity with the potential for significant orthopaedic injury. In Ireland, we have recently seen a dramatic increase in pediatric trampoline-related injuries mirroring the trend in the United States during the last 10 to 15 years. We found that more than 1 individual on a trampoline is a major risk factor for injury, where the lightest person is 14 times more likely to be injured than the heavier. The lighter person also has a greater chance of being injured with smaller numbers on the trampoline. We reiterate the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement advice that trampolines be used only in supervised training programs--never at home, in outdoor playgrounds, or in schools. The public should be made aware of the potential dangers of trampolines through public health campaigns, radio, and television.

Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injuries

“…However, dutiful supervision could be helpful to enforce trampoline park rules such as allowing only a single jumper per trampoline, because injuries resulting from multiple jumpers are problematic ( Table 2). 4,8,15,42 Some parks have a separate designated area for young children, which could increase safety for younger jumpers because studies show that a younger child is most often the victim when multiple children are involved. 4,8,15 This study does have limitations.…”

“…4,8,15,42 Some parks have a separate designated area for young children, which could increase safety for younger jumpers because studies show that a younger child is most often the victim when multiple children are involved. 4,8,15 This study does have limitations. The NEISS has incomplete data including injury locations and mechanisms.…”

“…However, there are often multiple jumpers, a practice associated with increased risk for injury on trampolines. 4,8,12,15,23,24 To our knowledge, there have been no published studies focusing on injuries at trampoline parks. This study investigates national trends in trampoline park injuries (TPIs) and compares demographic features and injury characteristics between TPIs and home trampoline injuries (HTIs).…”

Pediatric fractures: temporal trends and cost implications of treatment under general anesthesia

“…One likely explanation that cannot be confirmed is that children are undertaking more high-risk activities. A rapidly increasing incidence of pediatric injuries due to increased use of trampolines has been well documented [18,19]. The inherent love of risktaking combined with a poorly developed sense of spatial awareness and gymnastic control has been quoted as another factor [18].…”

Trampoline Safety in Childhood and Adolescence

“…[11][12][13] The smallest participants were up to 14 times more likely to sustain injury relative to their heavier playmates. 14 Heavier users create more recoil of the mat and springs and greater upward impaction forces than smaller users can generate on their own. These forces must be absorbed by the falling body and can be larger than landing on solid ground.…”