Trampoline-related injuries in childhood

Abstract

Recommendations to prevent trampoline injuries were given since the 1970s. However, despite these educational efforts, safety recommendations seem to be ignored and the number of trampoline injuries is increasing. All children referred to our department for injuries related to trampolines over a period of 3 years were included. The patients' records were reviewed and a questionnaire was sent out in order to gain additional information. Injuries were classified as severe and mild. A total of 265 children (46% m, 54% f) with a median age of 8.2 years (range 1 to 14) were included. The injury rate was continuously growing from the year 2005 (10.6%) to 2007 (58.1%). Most of the injuries were recorded between April and September with a peak of injuries in August. Seventy-five percent of all accidents happened in the afternoon; 40% of the injuries were classified as severe, 60% as mild. Nets or equal security devices were used in 56.6%. Trampolining is associated with a significant risk for bodily harm at any age and results in severe injuries in 40% of cases. Though there may be still room for improvement in safety recommendations, all attempts over a period of more than 30 years to reduce the number of trampoline-related backyard injuries failed and the incidence is still increasing. At present, trampolines cannot be made safe for recreational activities and are of an unacceptable risk even under supervision.

Fractures in Children: Epidemiology and Activity-Specific Fracture Rates

“…A subsequent increase in trampoline injuries seen in emergency departments has caused some authors to recommend that trampolines should be banned [28][29][30] . However, reports on trampoline injuries have not considered exposure time or the possible positive effects of trampolines.…”

Recreational Trampoline Use: Injury Rates and Risks

“…When comparing 2005 trampoline injury demographics and characteristics with those from 1990-1995 using the same data source, Linakis et al identified a steady increase in injuries each year over the period studied, noting that "physicians strongly encourage physical activity in children, and while trampolines appear to be a fun activity that satisfies the need for physical activity, this study indicates that they pose too great a threat to be used in an unsupervised environment like a back yard" (Mello, 2007). European researchers reported similar trends and Eberl et al (2009) concluded that "all attempts over a period of more than 30 years to reduce the number of trampoline-related backyard injuries failed, and the incidence is still increasing. At present, trampolines cannot be made safe for recreational activities and are of an unacceptable risk even under supervision" (p. 1171).…”

“…Eberl et al (2009) reported that more than half of reported injuries occur on trampolines with safety nets. Nearly all injuries requiring medical attention occur on privately owned trampolines (Furnival et al, 1999;Leonard & Joffe, 2009;Linakis et al, 2007;Shields, Fernandez, & Smith, 2005).…”

“…Studies covering the period from 1990 through 2007 consistently reported an increase in the number of trampoline-related injuries presenting to emergency departments around the world, representing increases of between 114% to 140% (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 1999;Eberl, Schalamon, Huber, Spitzer, & Hollwarth, 2009;Furnival, Street, & Schunk, 1999;Linakis, Mello, Machan, Amanullah, & Palmisciano, 2007). Bhangal, Neen, and Dodds (2006) compared the mechanisms of injury related to pediatric fractures in a large general hospital in the United Kingdom during the summers of 2001-2003.…”

Trampoline-related injuries in children: a preliminary biomechanical model of multiple users

“…Trampoline manufacturers often state in their product literature that only one person should use the apparatus at a time. Despite this, studies continue to report high instances of individuals hurt when there is more than one person on the trampoline, with rates quoted between 64% and 83% 11 12 14–18. Studies have also revealed that the lightest person is 5–14 times more likely to be injured when multiple people use a trampoline simultaneously 1 18.…”