Rapidly growing pediatric trampoline-related injuries in Korea: a 10-year single center retrospective study.

Purpose: Several published policy statements have warned for risk of trampoline and have recommended safety guideline. However, few studies have focused on trampoline-related injuries in Korea. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and characteristics of pediatric trampoline-related injuries presenting to our hospital.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of children <16 years old with trampoline-related injuries who visited our emergency department from 2008 to 2017.

Results: Over the 10-year period investigated, 178 trampoline-related injuries occurred, which represented a significant increase (p=0.004). The majority (87.6%) of injuries occurred during the last 5 study years and a rapid increase was observed in injuries in children < 6 years old. Lower extremity injuries (62.4%) were most common, followed by upper extremity injuries, head and face, and trunk injuries, including injuries to the neck and spine. Sixty-seven children (37.6%) had fractures, and the most common fractures were proximal tibia fractures. Fractures were significantly more common in younger children (<6 years old) than other ages (p = 0.026).

Conclusion: In Korea, the mechanism of trampoline injury is similar to that in indoor trampoline parks but is characterized by a smaller space and multi-users. The use of trampolines and injuries in children < 6 years old are increasing rapidly. Prohibiting the use of trampolines by children <6 years old, restricting simultaneous use by multiple children, and ensuring adult supervision should be strictly emphasized. Public awareness and policy guideline development are needed to reduce trampoline-related injuries.