Trampoline Fractures in Children.

Parviainen, Roope; Laaksonen, Topi; Grahn, Petra; Sinikumpu, Juha-Jaakko; Helenius, Ilkka; Ahonen, Matti · J Pediatr Orthop · 2026

retrospective_cohort · Level III

Where this comes from

Abstract

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. 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. 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). 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 IV-case series.