Pediatricians Warn of Trampoline Injuries

New recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages home trampolines

Despite safety nets and padding to cover the frames and springs, pediatricians say tens of thousands of children are hurt every year playing on home trampolines.

Because the added safety measures have not curbed the number of injuries significantly, the American Academy of Pediatrics is strongly discouraging the use of backyard trampolines for children.

The AAP says 75 percent of the injuries happen when more than one person is on the trampoline. The most devastating injuries generally happen when kids are trying to do flips or sommersaults and land on their necks or spines.

Dr. Kashel Patel, M.D. is an emergency room physician at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. He said he treats about ten trampoline-related injuries every month.

"We usually see the worst of the worst because the simple stuff is taken care of at other hospitals, things like sprains and contusions, that type of thing. Mostly what we see are the broken bones; usually arms and legs," said Dr. Patel, M.D.

The new recommendations are specific to home, recreational trampolines.  The AAP says it will continue monitoring injuries at trampoline parks.

People who have backyard trampolines should check with their homeowner's insurance policy and verify they have coverage for trampoline related accidents. 

In 2009, 98k people were hurt in trampoline related accidents and 3,100 patients required hospitalization. More of those patients were children than adults.

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