Twenty percent of patients seen by Dr. James Gutheil, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon for Covenant Medical Group, suffer injuries due to trampoline accidents. With the popularity of backyard trampolines rising, Dr. Gutheil discusses potential dangers of trampoline use and gives tips to prevent injuries.
- The majority of trampoline injuries are forearm fractures, femur injuries and ankle injuries. These injuries can vary in severity.
- Trampoline injuries usually occur when multiple kids are jumping at the same time. Kids getting “double bounced” can also often lead to injuries.
- Safety nets help to prevent head injuries and from falling off the trampoline, but they do not prevent all injuries.
- Injuries are treated based on severity. Forearm fractures usually require a cast for up to four weeks and two to three weeks of therapy following the cast removal. Broken femurs can require a spica cast that immobilizes the hips and thighs for up to two months. The most severe injuries can require surgery.
- The most severe injuries are seen in children 3 to 4 years old. Injuries stemming from trampoline accidents are seen in children ranging from toddlers to teenagers.
- Supervising your child while on the trampoline is the No. 1 thing parents can do to prevent injuries. Allowing only one child on the trampoline at a time will also help to prevent accidents.
- To prevent injuries, children should not attempt flips on the trampoline. If there is more than one child on the trampoline, children should not “double bounce” each other.
Trampoline accidents can lead to very severe injuries, Gutheil stresses. Supervision and taking the necessary safety precautions is the key to prevent a trip to the emergency room.