Childhood trampoline injuries

Dan Med J. 2018 Nov;65(11):A5512.

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing use of recreational trampolines, more injuries are seen in emergency depart-ments (ED). Little is known about the relationship between adherence to safety precautions and injuries. This retro-spective study aims to describe the types of injuries and the precautions taken when using trampolines, and to investigate the relationship between injuries and safety precautions.

Methods: We reviewed patient lists and the medical records of children younger than 18 years who were treated between 1 April and 30 September 2014 at the ED of Hospital Unit West, Denmark. Demographic data and type of injury were recorded. Patients or guardians were contacted for a structured telephone interview to describe the safety precautions they had taken before the injury occurred. A total of 113 patients were identified, and 100 patients were included in the phone interviews. A total of 13 patients were excluded due to incorrect/missing phone numbers or lack of a Danish home address.

Results: 6% of all children treated in the ED had trampoline-related injuries. A total of 58 (51.3%) patients had fracture injuries, and 55 (48.7%) patients had non-fracture injuries. 4% had complied with all five recommended safety precautions.

Conclusions: This study describes types of injuries and safety precautions related to trampoline use. 6% of all children in the ED had an injury related to trampoline use. 4% complied with all five recommended safety precautions.

Funding: none.

Trial registration: not relevant.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Consumer Product Safety / standards*
  • Denmark
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / etiology
  • Gymnastics / injuries*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Play and Playthings / injuries*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sports Equipment / adverse effects*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology