Incidence and Trends in Paediatric Trampoline-Related Injuries.

INTRODUCTION

Trampolining in the United Kingdom (UK) has seen a major increase in popularity among children, leading to a rising incidence of associated injuries. While international studies have described the injury patterns, recent UK-specific epidemiological data are limited. This study investigates the incidences and trends of trampoline-related orthopaedic injuries within a UK NHS Trust.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a Trust with two district general hospitals. Electronic medical records were analysed for all patients under 18 years of age referred to the Trauma & Orthopaedics (T&O) department from 13/10/2023 until 01/11/2024 with a trampoline-related orthopaedic injury. Data extracted included age, sex, injury type, anatomical location, and management.

RESULTS

From 3,025 paediatric referrals to T&O, 96 (3.2%) were trampoline-related. The mean age was 8.7 years old. The majority of patients were female (59.4%, n=57). Fractures constituted the majority of injuries (n=57). The ankle was the most common site of injury overall (27.1%, n=26), and for both fractures (n=14) and soft tissue injuries (n=12). The wrist and elbow were the next most common fracture sites, with similar frequency (n=11). The admission rate was low (2.1%, n=2); only one patient required surgical intervention. A clear bimodal seasonal variation was observed, with incidence peaking during April (n=14) and August (n=12).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides contemporary UK data demonstrating that orthopaedic trampoline-related injuries, while common, predominantly result in minor fractures manageable conservatively. The ankle is the most common site. The strong correlation with seasonal spikes highlights a critical period for targeted public health initiatives and awareness campaigns to minimise risk. Despite the general minor nature of these injuries, thorough assessment is essential to recognise potential neurovascular compromise.