AAOS OrthoInfo says most trampoline injuries involve sprains or fractures in the arms and legs [1]. AAOS OrthoInfo says that while most trampoline injuries occur on home trampolines, injuries sustained at jump parks tend to be more severe [1]. AAOS OrthoInfo’s trampoline safety advice includes allowing only one person at a time on the trampoline [1].
AAOS OrthoInfo says most trampoline injuries involve sprains or fractures in the arms and legs [1]. It adds that while most trampoline injuries occur on home trampolines, injuries sustained at jump parks tend to be more severe [1].
- Which trampoline injuries are reported?
- What is an ankle sprain?
- What does AAOS advise about trampoline safety?
- When is urgent help needed?
- What should I do next?
Which trampoline injuries are reported?
AAOS OrthoInfo says most trampoline injuries involve sprains or fractures in the arms and legs; however, more severe injuries are not uncommon [1].
The authors of a retrospective study of 40 young children seen at one institution between 2013 and 2019 after a trampoline injury of the proximal tibia conclude: “Using trampoline with a heavier person carries the risk of proximal tibial fracture in young children.” [2] The 40 children were selected from patients who visited that institution after this injury.
About the hospital study
In a study of 556 patients treated for trampoline-associated injuries at one hospital in Norway between March 2001 and October 2004 (mean age 11, range 1 to 62 years), the most common types of injuries were fractures (36%), injury to ligaments (36%), contusions (20%), lacerations (7%) and dislocations (1%) [3]. These are shares of the injuries treated at that hospital. The authors write: “Whether there is an actual increase in the risk associated with trampoline use for the same number of hours of exposure is not known.” [3] The data are from 2001 to 2004.
The authors write: “Although our study was not designed to test the efficacy of a security net, in the absence of data to the contrary, we support the use of a security net.” [3] AAOS OrthoInfo’s advice, further down this page, says not to depend on a safety net enclosure alone.
More on missed fractures
In the same 40-patient study, eight of the 40 patients (20.0%) were initially misdiagnosed as sprain or contusion of the leg at another hospital [2]. The ankle sprain section below carries AAOS OrthoInfo’s note that symptoms of a severe sprain are similar to those of a broken bone.
What is an ankle sprain?
AAOS OrthoInfo says an ankle sprain occurs when the strong ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear [4].
AAOS OrthoInfo says: “Symptoms of a severe sprain are similar to those of a broken bone and require prompt medical evaluation.” [4]
AAOS OrthoInfo also says most sprains heal with “conservative treatments like ice, elevation, over-the-counter medications, and simple rehabilitation exercises” [4]. It adds that you may need to be seen by a medical professional to make sure you do not have a severe sprain or fracture if your ankle remains swollen or painful for several weeks despite those treatments, or if you have trouble putting weight on your ankle [4].
More on ankle sprains
The NHS says severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal [5].
More on ankle fractures
Most ankle fractures can be diagnosed with X-rays, which provide images of bone [6].
They can show where the bones are broken and if any of the bones are out of place (displaced) [6].
What does AAOS advise about trampoline safety?
AAOS OrthoInfo says more than 75% of trampoline injuries occur when two or more children are jumping at the same time and collide [1].
AAOS OrthoInfo’s trampoline safety advice includes:
- Allow only one person at a time on the trampoline. [1]
- Do not allow a child younger than 6 years old to use a trampoline. [1]
- Provide careful adult supervision and instruction and ensure that jumpers follow proper safety measures at all times. [1]
- Do not depend on a safety net enclosure alone to prevent injuries; most injuries actually occur on the mat of the trampoline. [1]
- Check equipment regularly for tears, pieces that are detached, and wear and tear. [1]
- Do not allow participants to perform somersaults or other high-risk maneuvers without proper supervision and instruction. [1]
When is urgent help needed?
The list below covers the signs that should not wait for a routine appointment.
What should I do next?
If a knee or lower-limb injury is not settling, or you are unsure what is causing it, an assessment is a sensible next step. The assessment brings together the patient’s story, an examination and any tests that help, so that the patient and the surgeon can decide together. It looks at the structure involved, the patient as a whole person and the goal they want to return to. An appointment supports an informed decision. It is not a commitment to surgery.
- Read about the Knee Hub.
- Read about ankle sprains.
- Read about sports injuries.
This page provides general information and cannot diagnose an individual condition. OrthoKinetics does not provide emergency or urgent care through this webpage or its WhatsApp contact.
References
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Trampoline Injury Prevention. https://www.orthoinfo.org/staying-healthy/trampoline-injury-prevention
- Jeong C, Lee SU, Kim HG, Joo SY. Trampoline-related fractures of the proximal tibia in children. J Orthop Surg Res 2021;16(1):551. PMC8424931. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8424931
- Nysted M, Drogset JO. Trampoline injuries. Br J Sports Med 2006;40(12):984-987. PMC2577468. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2577468
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Sprained Ankle. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprained-ankle/
- NHS. Sprains and strains. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Ankle Fractures (Broken Ankle). https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases–conditions/ankle-fractures-broken-ankle
Was this page helpful?