A three-year-old kid sustained a serious femur (thigh bone) fracture while jumping on a trampoline at an indoor trampoline park in the United States. His mother’s Facebook post, which included a photo of her kid in a waist-down cast, has gone viral, and she wants to warn other parents.

Trampolines are popular items at toy stores. I recall searching for choices to purchase one for my 7-year-old nephew, but now I’m pleased that I chose against it based on a feeling.

Trampolines may seem to be enjoyable to jump on, but they may result in catastrophic injuries such as fractured bones, head injuries, cervical spine injuries, sprains, bruises, and cuts. Many of these may result in permanent or temporary disabilities. These injuries may result from improper landings when leaping, flipping, or doing acrobatics such as somersaults. Most of the time, catastrophes occur when more than one person is on the trampoline.

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends

Do not purchase a trampoline for your house.

Choose safer ways to keep youngsters physically engaged.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that small and full-sized trampolines never be used at home, in regular exercise classes, or on playgrounds. They should only be used in supervised training programs for gymnastics, diving, and other competitive sports. Only one person should be permitted on a trampoline at any one time.

If you opted to have a trampoline at home (which I wonder why?) The AAP advises the following safety precautions:

  • Adult supervision at all times.
  • Only one person may jump on the trampoline at a time.
  • No somersaults were accomplished.
  • Maintain proper trampoline cushioning and regularly inspect all equipment.
  • Repair or replace any broken pieces, including protective padding and the net enclosure.
  • Homeowners with trampolines should ensure that their insurance covers trampoline-related injuries.
  • Families should be aware that many accidents occur on the mat itself, and current research does not seem to show that netting or cushioning greatly reduces the risk of harm.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises that children under the age of six do not utilize trampolines, and that older children do so only under adult supervision. Younger children’s weak bones may not sustain the strain of repetitive leaping, resulting in injuries owing to poor balance.

The play places with trampolines may advertise them for your toddler, but do not succumb to flashy marketing and jeopardize your child’s safety.

FAQs About Trampoline & Child Safety

Q1. Trampoline parks are especially dangerous for young children. Why?

A1. If you have 3- and 4-year-old children who are unable to tie their own shoes, struggle to run up and down a hill, and struggle to climb stairs, placing them on a trampoline, which provides them a lot of additional energy, is a dangerous decision. The amount of energy they use varies depending on each leap and the number of others jumping nearby. It’s not the same as a high school athlete doing gymnastics, or an older child with superior body mechanics and control.

Q2. What kind of injuries do you see in trampoline park accidents?

A2. It is commonly a lower extremity injury. I’ve seen a few youngsters with brain injuries, such as concussions, caused by knocking into someone or a harsher piece of equipment. The younger kids, preschool and early elementary-age children, who come in with serious ankle injuries or fractures, however, stand out. I’ve seen tibia fractures at trampoline parks, as well as ankle sprains and knee fractures.

Q3. Are backyard trampolines any safer, particularly the latest versions with netting or fence surrounding them?

A3. Looking at the statistics, trampoline park injuries seem to have a greater chance of serious injury than backyard trampoline accidents. If you are wounded at a trampoline park, your chances of suffering an injury that need further treatment, such as hospitalization or surgery, seem to be increased.

Often, it is caused by the trampoline’s force inflicting a lower leg injury rather than flying off the trampoline and landing on another surface.

Q4. Are there any ground rules that parents may establish to assist reduce the risks?

A4. I advise parents and children “If you’re doing trampoline parks or if you have a backyard trampoline, the rule should be one person at a time and no equipment on the trampoline, like balls.” I recognize that jumping alone isn’t as exciting, but it’s certainly riskier with other people or items on the trampoline.

Q5. Is the main issue the potential of a "double bounce?"

A5. When I was a youngster, we did this on purpose. We’d say, “OK, jump next to me right as I’m about to hit it” because it’ll give you more power and allow you to soar higher in the air. However, knowing that it will happen and being able to prepare for it and adapt biomechanically is difficult.

When there are numerous individuals leaping about, someone will be double-bounced, particularly if they are not expecting it. And if the person providing that additional bounce is larger than they are, it will be a lot of force for them. The sudden double bounce is likely the most significant cause of these accidents.

Experts On Trampoline

  • Dr. Rohan Vakta

    Sports Orthopaedic Surgeon (Gold Medalist)