Orthopedic Surgeon Group Releases Warnings About Child Trampoline Injuries

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has recently released a warning regarding the risk of child trampoline injuries. The orthopedic surgeons have banded together to raise awareness of the dangers associated with trampoline use.

Child Trampoline Injuries Come at Great Cost to Families

Child trampoline use leads to thousands of catastrophic injuries every single year. The July 19th warning issued by the orthopedic surgeons indicates that safety equipment and netting, which are popularly advertised as one way to cut down on devastating injuries, are not supported claims as far as research.

Although some child trampoline injuries can be avoided with safety gear and supervision, experts now recommend that the only way to avoid them altogether is to use strict rules when children play on or near a trampoline.

Child trampoline injuries can be critical, especially if medical help is not sought immediately. Broken bones, paralysis, and damage to the spinal cord as well as the brain can all affect a child not just in the short-term but well into the future.

The group further recommends that children under the age of six should not be allowed to use trampolines at all and that critical safety steps such as limiting trampoline use to only one user at a time can minimize risk.

More than 100,000 adults, as well as children, are treated at emergency rooms every year for sprains, fractures and severe injuries. Child trampoline injuries, however, can be more devastating because of the developmental status of the child. While trampolines are used more frequently over the summer months, injuries can occur at any time.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 295,000 people were treated for trampoline injuries in 2015 alone. Trampoline injuries for children may require immediate medical attention to minimize the severity of the injuries. The range of child trampoline injuries can go from mild sprains to severe breaks and fractures. Lack of coordination is one of the most common reasons that child trampoline injuries can be so severe.

Common Trampoline Injuries Affecting Children

The most frequently reported and evaluated trampoline injuries are fractures and sprained ankles due to falls on the frames, springs or the trampoline mat. When more than one person is jumping on the trampoline at one time, the risk for injuries increases. In addition, any attempted stunts such falls off of the trampoline or flips could lead to a child striking a hard surface or the ground. The vast majority of child trampoline injuries, according to CPSC research, occur when more than one person is jumping on the trampoline at the same time.

More than 90% of the injuries sustained by people using trampolines are those affecting children between the ages of 5 and 14. Trampoline injuries have risen significantly over the past several years.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously warned that trampolines are not shown to be any safer with nets, pads or other protection.

If you or someone you know has suffered a catastrophic injury because of use of a trampoline, the attorneys at Bradley/Grombacher are available to help evaluate your claim.