Is trampolining really that dangerous?
Mr Dreher, do so many accidents really happen when trampolining?
So-called trampoline fractures do indeed occur frequently. This is certainly partly due to the fact that there are more and more trampoline parks and this sport has become a big trend.
Why is trampolining so dangerous?
It's just that the speed, height and gravity involved in jumping can easily cause fractures.
The fun that children have jumping on a trampoline should not be compared with the risk of injury.
For example, when doing somersaults where you land on your hands. This involves enormous force and can lead to forearm fractures on both sides. Spinal injuries and twisted knee joints are also possible, of course.
Is a trampoline in the garden even recommended?
I think the fun that children have jumping on a trampoline should not be compared with the risk of injury. We also have a trampoline in the garden. During the pandemic , for example, the trampoline was an absolute highlight for us. And our children haven't suffered any fractures yet. Although I'm waiting for it to happen. There are just a few rules you should follow to minimise the risk.
What rules would that be?
Firstly, several children should not jump at the same time. Things often happen. For example, one of them landing with full force on another's body part. Secondly, movements that you can't control well, such as somersaults, should not be done or should only be done under supervision. Children could also take part in a trampolining course to better assess their movements. There are lots of programmes on offer.
Do accidents also happen because children accidentally land on the floor?
Yes, but more with smaller children. Therefore, fall protection is always highly recommended.
- Children break things more often as they get older, but: fractures in children generally heal very well and quickly.
- Symptoms of a fracture: severe pain, swelling, limited resilience of the body part.
- The first reaction should be to reassure and relieve pain with the help of a cold pack or painkillers.
- If it is not an emergency, the paediatrician can be contacted first. Many fractures can be treated there directly.
- Many fractures in children are not operated on but treated conservatively, i.e. with a plaster cast, splint, bandage or sling.
- If a fracture needs to be operated on, this is carried out in centres with a high level of expertise. Parents do not need to worry about this.
- As a rule, a fracture in children and adolescents heals after three to six weeks.
- Orthopaedic surgeon Thomas Dreher knows that many fractures occur during sport or play. The popular trampolines in particular have therefore fallen into disrepute.
Click here to go directly to the article «Broken bones in children - not so bad» by Katharina Hoch.
