Trampoline Troubles: Serious Traumatic Injuries in Children from a Trampoline Park, a Case Series

Abstract

Background: Trampoline use is one of the most common causes of recreational injury in children. In recent years, trampoline parks have grown in popularity and may be altering the spectrum of the trampoline-related injuries that occur. These parks create increased opportunity for injuries that appear uniquely different from accident patterns seen with home trampoline use. Recent work has suggested this may result in injuries occurring in greater frequency and with increased severity that may result in a greater need of hospital admission and procedural management by subspecialty services. Case Series Presentation: This case series presents three such examples occurring after the opening of a trampoline park in our local community: 1) A displaced forearm fracture requiring closed reduction and orthopedic follow-up; 2) An ankle fracture necessitating operative reduction and fixation; and 3) A facial injury with tooth avulsion prompting oral surgery consultation and endodontic follow-up. Conclusions: These cases demonstrate the complexity and severity of injury that can occur from trampoline park participation and should serve to increase awareness among health care providers of these risks to provide appropriate parental counseling and advocate for preventative measures.