Introduction
Recently, trampoline jumping is increasingly becoming popular among adults and children as a recreational activity. Jumping releases endorphins that improve mood and help enhance oxygen circulation. Therefore, the individual jumping feels a rush of happiness. Backyards, outdoor playgrounds, jump parks, and physical education programs frequently feature trampolines. The rise in the trampoline popularity has caused an increase in trampoline-related orthopedic injuries, enhancing public health concerns.
How Is Trampoline Use Advantageous to Children?
There are several advantages of trampoline use among children. It is a great way to keep the kids active as they enjoy the activity and have health benefits. The exercise encourages the utilization of previously underused muscles and enhances muscle growth. It can also promote bone development, improve lymphatic circulation, and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, trampoline activities help detoxify the body and push toxins out of the body.
What Are Trampoline-Related Pediatric Fractures?
Trampoline-related fractures are transverse fractures of proximal tibial metaphysis seen in children while jumping on a trampoline or inflatable castle. More than 90 % of children between 5 to 14 years are susceptible to trampoline-related pediatric fractures. Most trampoline fractures cause sprains or fractures in the long bones of arms and legs. Radius and ulna fractures are common and develop from falling on an outstretched hand. But severe injuries are rarer. If the child performs somersaults or other high-risk maneuvers, it could lead to head and neck injuries that can be devastating and cause paralysis or even death. About 1 in 200 trampoline injuries could cause permanent neurological damage.
What Causes Trampoline-Related Pediatric Fractures?
The fracture tends to occur when a heavier individual jumps on a trampoline and causes it to recoil upwards as the smaller victim falls. The combined excessive load causes trampoline-related fractures in the child victim.
Most trampoline injuries occur in human trampolines, but injuries from trampolines in parks tend to be more severe. It could be because of less coordinated falls or high-flying maneuvers frequently seen on sports trampolines. More than two-thirds of trampoline fractures occur when the children jump together or collide.
Other causes for trampoline-related pediatric fracture include:
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Falling on the mat, frame, or springs of trampoline.
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Attempting to perform flips, somersaults, and other risky maneuvers while jumping on a trampoline.
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Falling off from the trampoline to the ground or other hard surfaces.
What Injuries Are Common in Children From Trampoline Use?
Some common injuries are:
- Sprain: It is common in children who just jump on the trampoline. The children develop sprain in the knee, ankle, or foot. This injury develops when the child repeatedly jumps with greater force. Sprains can be decreased by refraining from dangerous leaping techniques.
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Fractures: It forms a large portion of trampoline-related injuries. Children may experience fractures in their spine, legs, feet, elbows, and forearms. A misplaced foot or fall can result in broken bones. A distal humerus fracture is the most common. Proximal tibial fractures commonly caused by trampoline use are seen in children below five years and can lead to valgus deformity of the tibia even after healing (Cozen’s phenomenon).
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Concussion: It is also a common trampoline-related injury. Concussion develops when the child’s head gets hit hard on the trampoline, colliding head with others, or bounces around by other jumpers. Many children have also developed concussions by jumping too hard. Concussions due to trampoline use can be a severe condition.
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Head and Neck Injury: Head and neck injuries on a trampoline occur when a child jumps with another child. Also, children who perform tricks on the trampoline, such as cartwheels, flips, and somersaults, are at risk for head and neck injury. The injury is considered severe as it could cause spinal cord injury.
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Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal cord injury develops from head and neck injury and can cause paralysis or death. It can happen when children jump and bump into each other, fall from the trampoline onto the concrete ground, or fall on the trampoline’s metal frame or springs.
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Lacerations: Small or large lacerations appear when the children jump on trampolines. The majority of lacerations are minor, but larger ones need stitches.
How Are Trampoline Injuries Treated in Children?
Children with displaced fractures are given casts. Almost 20 % to 30 % of children with trampoline surgery require surgical treatment. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are treated predominantly with surgery. Children with fractures that develop into vagal deformity require long-term follow-up.
Therefore, by creating focused campaigns against trampoline use at home, trampoline injuries can be avoided.
What Steps May Be Taken to Lessen Children's Trampoline-Related Injuries?
The following steps can be taken to lessen the number and severity of trampoline-related injuries:
1. Maintaining Trampoline
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Before permitting a child to play, it must be determined whether the trampoline's supporting bars, springs, and other landing surfaces are adequately padded for safety. All padding must be in good condition with proper positioning.
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It is necessary to check the trampolines for any tears, detachments, or wear. If replacement components are unavailable, a worn-out or damaged trampoline must be disposed off.
2. Children’s Supervision
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Adult supervision is required to ensure the children follow proper safety measures. Safety net alone does not guarantee safety as most injuries occur because of trampoline mats. It holds for both recreational trampoline and structured trampoline (physical, educational classes, gymnastics, and diving training) activities.
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Safety netting can protect the child from falling off the trampoline and avoid contact with metal frames or springs.
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Children younger than six years must not be allowed to use the trampoline.
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Only one child must be allowed to use the trampoline at a time.
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Children should not engage in somersaults or other risky activities unless properly supervised or guided. High-risk activities must be performed using safety measures such as using a harness.
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Trampolines must always be placed on the ground to prevent falls from high surfaces.
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Trampoline ladders must be removed after use to prevent children from climbing back.
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Children must be instructed not to jump on trampoline from roofs or high places to avoid severe injury.
Conclusion
When a heavier person uses a trampoline with children, there is a higher risk of fracture in the child. The fractures are diagnosed with an X-ray and are treated with a cast or surgery. There must be proper awareness and campaign to the general public regarding the injury associated with trampoline use.
