Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - 2026-07-14 - Journal Article
Trampoline Fractures in Children.
Parviainen R, Laaksonen T, Grahn P, Sinikumpu JJ, Helenius I, Ahonen M
Topics
Key Takeaway
Trampoline-related fractures carry a 2.02-fold higher risk of open fracture compared with other sports-related fractures (95% CI: 1.22–3.34), with fracture severity increasing with age across 1,153 cases.
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Summary
This study analyzed all pediatric trampoline-related fractures in the Helsinki area from 2014–2022 using the KIDS Fracture Tool registry (18,279 total fractures), comparing fracture distribution and severity across three age groups (0–5, 6–10, 11–15 years) and against other sports-related fractures. Trampoline fractures constituted 6.3% of all pediatric fractures at an annual incidence of 9.3 per 10,000 children, with lower leg fractures predominating in the youngest group and forearm fractures in older children. Fracture severity and surgical fixation rates increased with age, and open fracture risk was twice that of other sports injuries (RR 2.02).
Key Limitation
The absence of exposure data makes it impossible to determine whether younger or older children have a higher per-use injury risk, which is the critical variable needed to justify or refute age-based trampoline restrictions.
Original Abstract
BACKGROUND
Trampoline use has become increasingly common among children and adolescents, paralleled by a rise in trampoline-related injuries. Nevertheless, current age-based recommendations for trampoline use are supported by limited evidence. This study aimed to determine whether the frequency and severity of trampoline-related fractures differ among specific pediatric age groups.
METHODS
We identified all pediatric trampoline-related fractures treated in the Helsinki area, Finland, between 2014 and 2022. Cases were extracted from the institutional fracture registry, the KIDS Fracture Tool, which contained 18,279 fractures as of December 2022. The distribution, fracture severity, and frequency of surgical treatment were compared with the other sports-related fractures recorded in the registry. Trampoline-related fractures were analyzed across 3 age groups: 0 to 5 years, 6 to 10 years, and 11 to 15 years.
RESULTS
A total of 1153 trampoline-related fractures were identified (592 in girls and 561 in boys), representing 6.3% of all pediatric fractures. The annual incidence of trampoline-related fractures was 9.3 per 10,000 children. In the youngest age group, the lower leg was the most commonly fractured site, whereas forearm fractures predominated in the older groups. Well-aligned fracture was the most frequent fracture pattern in younger children, while more severe fracture types increased in prevalence with age. The proportion of open fractures was higher in the trampoline cohort than in the overall sport-related fracture cohort (relative risk, 2.02; 95% CI: 1.22-3.34).
CONCLUSIONS
Trampoline-related fractures show age-dependent variation, with younger children sustaining predominantly low-energy injuries and older children experiencing more severe fracture patterns. Trampoline injuries were associated with a higher risk of displaced fractures requiring internal fixation and open fractures. Due to the lack of exposure data, definitive conclusions cannot be made regarding age-specific injury risk or age-based restrictions.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV-case series.