Trampoline-related Injuries in Children: A Tertiary Pediatric Center Experience in Israel

BACKGROUNDThe growing popularity of trampoline jumping in the past years has led to an increase in trampoline-related injuries. The risk is particularly high in large trampoline parks, which are attended by many individuals of various sizes and ages. OBJECTIVESTo describe a tertiary pediatric center experience in Israel. METHODSThe database of a tertiary pediatric medical center was retrospectively reviewed for all trampoline-associated admissions to the emergency department in 2015-2018. Data were collected on patient demographics and injury characteristics with an emphasis on type and venue. RESULTSOf the 23,248 admissions for orthopedic trauma during the period, 244 children were admitted for 246 trampoline-related injuries. Injuries involved the lower limb in 130 children (53%), upper limb in 87 (36%), spine in 20 (8%), and other sites in 9 (3%). Almost half of the injuries (113/246, 46%) were fractures, 27% required either closed or open reduction in the operating room. Large trampoline centers were responsible for half of the cases. CONCLUSIONSTrampoline injuries accounted for 1.05% of all emergency department admissions at a tertiary pediatric hospital in 2015-2018. Nearly half of the trampoline-related injuries were fractures. Large trampoline centers pose a potential risk for more serious injuries. We raise awareness of the risks of trampoline jumping, considering increasing popularity of trampoline parks, and encourage the authorities to implement safety regulations.