Dangers of trampolines
Children and adolescents love jumping on trampolines. Patented as a “tumbling device” as early as 1945, trampolines have been growing in popularity ever since. Once found only in backyards, today there are commercial trampoline parks popping up in many communities.
But many medical professionals are stepping up to warn parents that trampolines are dangerous. A recent study, from an Indiana University School of Medicine researcher, found that from 2002-2011 there were nearly 300,000 visits to emergency rooms in the U.S. due to backyard trampoline accidents. In fact, by some estimates, medical, legal and disability costs, resulting from trampoline injuries, add up to more than $4 billion each year.
“It is very rare that a month goes by without a child coming to my office with a trampoline injury,” says Dr. Andrea Kramer, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. “I see many leg, hand and foot fractures, but I have also seen much more serious compound fractures. And when there is a growth plate fracture, it can be severe enough to affect future growth.”
It’s the potential for serious injuries and broken bones that prompts, Dr. Kramer, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to discourage the use of trampolines. From what Dr. Kramer has seen in her office, she believes it is just too hard for children to follow the rules, which call for only one person on the trampoline at a time.
“The injuries I see usually occur when multiple children are using the trampoline,” she says. “In particular, it is usually bigger kids trying to make little kids go higher and higher that causes the greatest problems. The result is usually the youngest child getting hurt most seriously.”
In recent years, safety measures have been taken by manufacturers to lessen the risk of injuries. If you do allow your child to jump on a trampoline, experts say parental supervision is extremely important. But for some parents, that just isn’t the answer.
Dr. Kramer says her 11-year-old son often asks, “When are we going to get a trampoline?” Her answer is simple. Never.
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About the Author
Evonne Woloshyn, health enews contributor, is director of public affairs at Advocate Children's Hospital. Evonne began her career as an anchor and reporter in broadcast news. Over the past 20 years, she has worked in health care marketing in both Ohio and Illinois. Evonne loves to travel, spend time with family and is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan!
Another warning for parents…..
. . . . and the government to “do somthing” about it.
Never allowed to have one as a kid. Mom thought it was a broken arm waiting to happen!
The ground is already a dangerous place for my rambunctious 2 year old so no trampolines for him!
I bought a trampoline for my children last year and they love it very much. After reading this article, I think I will not allow my children to keep playing with the trampoline, too dangerous. Thanks!
My children play trampoline every day and after reading this post then I must think about to throw away the trampoline, too dangerous. Thanks for sharing!
This is dumb. Me and my friends grew up on a trampoline and we would wrestle, all jump on at the same time, jump off it etc and we never got Injured…and to make your kid miss out on the amazing fun of a trampoline just because your being overprotective over something that may or may not happen is being paranoid and robbing your kid of a great experience imo.