Trampolines and Trauma

Recently a trampoline park opened in my town and my kids love it! It seems like all they want to do is go and have to come and watch them do flips. I decided to write this blog because a couple weeks ago I had two cases of children coming into my office with trampoline related injuries. Fortunately, both those children are now 100% better.

After researching trampolines, I have to admit I was surprised at the amount of documented research on injuries. Serious injuries are a real concern such as extremity fractures primarily of the arm, forearm and the lower leg bone close to the knee, especially in children between 2-5 years of age (these are actually known as ‘trampoline fractures’). Also, spinal injuries are common along with sprain/strains especially of the ankle, and even spinal fractures and paraplegia have been reported. (1,2,3) Here is the link to a great article if you wish to read more detail regarding trampoline injuries.

Obviously, people get hurt using trampolines and the purpose of this article is not to stop trampoline use but to create a safer environment for children to play. Kids love trampolines and there are many benefits including laughter, social interaction, playing, strengthening the body and becoming more agile and athletic. There is hope for people that enjoying bouncing on trampolines as the following guidelines will help to greatly reduce injuries.

Trampoline Safety Tips:

• Only have one person on the trampoline at a time. The risk of injury greatly increases when more than one person in on the trampoline at once.
• Children aged 0-6 should not use a full-sized trampoline. This age group is highly associated with significant injuries.
• Avoid doing flips or somersaults as these are highly associated with significant injuries.
• Do not jump onto or off the trampoline.
• Adult supervision of children is recommended.
• Trampoline should be inspected regularly for proper working order and either fixed or discarded if parts are defective such as springs or tears.
• Protective padding and net enclosures are recommended.
• Ensure the trampoline is level and set in a clear area away from hazards.

I hope you found this helpful! If you know of anyone with a trampoline, consider sharing this with them.

Cale

References:

1. Furnival RA¹, Street KA, Schunk JE. Too many pediatric trampoline injuries. 1999 May;103(5):e57.
2. Klimek PM¹, Juen D, Stranzinger E, Wolf R, Slongo T. Trampoline related injuries in children: risk factors and radiographic findings. World J Pediatr.2013 May;9(2):169-74. doi: 10.1007/s12519-013-0416-2. Epub 2013 May 16.
3. Königshausen M, Gothner M, Kruppa C, Dudda M, Godry H, Schildhauer TA, Seybold D. Trampoline-related injuries in children: an increasing problem. [Article in German] Sportverletz Sportschaden. 2014 Jun;28(2):69-74. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1366544. Epub 2014 Jun 25.