Trampolines are increasingly popular in Alabama and across the nation. People can rent them for parties and celebrations of all types, and trampoline park and gyms rent time on the devices.
But while injuries from home-based trampolines have been dropping off, a recent study found that the overall number of trampoline injuries have risen. Researchers attribute this to the increase in popularity of commercial trampolines. The study was presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2019 National Conference and Exhibition.
The study found nearly a 4% increase in overall trampoline injuries between 2008 and 2017, even while injuries from home-based trampolines appeared to decline. In fact, the researchers found that it was 32% more likely that a child with a trampoline-related bone fracture suffered that fracture at a gym or recreational facility than at home.
In 2008, trampolines contributed to 3.59% of all pediatric fractures. By 2017, they were responsible for 6.16% of broken bones in kids. This suggests that the popularity of gyms and trampoline parks are contributing to the injury rate.
What kinds of fractures are common on trampolines?
Most trampoline injuries involve small lacerations and broken bones, but the bones being broken can be significant. For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s common for jumpers to fall and brace their fall with an outstretched hand. This can break the humerus, or the long bone in the upper arm.
Besides reaching out to try to prevent a fall, kids bounce off the trampoline altogether, sometimes more than one at a time. This can also break bones.
Moreover, one Mayo doctor said that kids jumping at the same time may fall on each other, with painful results. Some are injured misusing the device in predictable ways like crawling underneath the jumping surface, bringing extraneous objects onto the jumping surface with them, or even trying to jump over the protective net.
One child in his practice was injured even though she swore not to jump. Her arm was broken when a jumper fell off the trampoline and landed on her.
Trampolines, even those with nets and other safety features, can cause:
- Broken fingers or toes
- Broken wrists or ankles
- Broken arms or legs
- Broken ribs and sternum
- Spine injuries, such as a broken neck
- Head injuries
To prevent trampoline injuries, it’s best for only one child to jump at a time. The Mayo points out that any significant mismatch in the kids’ weight and size can be extremely dangerous, especially for the smaller jumper.
If your child was injured at a trampoline park, bounce house or similar facility, you may have a legal claim. You should discus your concerns with an experienced personal injury attorney.
