U.S. pediatricians discourage home use of trampolines

CHICAGO, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- There are some 100,000 U.S. trampoline-related injuries yearly and pediatric physicians say they strongly discourage home use of trampolines.

"A trampoline puts a child at risk for serious injuries," Dr. Terri Cappello of Loyola University Medical Center near Chicago said in a statement. "Kids sustain broken arms, legs and even break their necks which can lead to paralysis. Just as you would not let your child jump into a shallow swimming pool, you should not let them jump on a trampoline."

Cappello, pediatric orthopedic surgeon who has more than 100 young patients for trampoline-related injuries in the last 15 years, said she agreed with a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics that said safety measures such as enclosure nets and padding have not substantially reduced the risk.

"Therefore, the home use of trampolines is strongly discouraged," the academy statement said.

Cappello said trampolines might be worth the risk only when used for training purposes by gymnasts and divers, under careful supervision.

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America said trampolines and moon bouncers are among the four main areas of preventable injuries in children that also include skateboards, all-terrain vehicles and lawnmowers.

Cappello said injuries typically occur when trampoline users land awkwardly. Common injuries include a broken ankle or a fracture of the tibia just below the knee, but users also can break their necks and become paralyzed.