The trampoline is a popular source of recreational and competitive sport. However, little is documented about the dangers associated with its use particularly in the paediatric population.

We reviewed paediatric patients referred to our service from April to September 2005 inclusively, having been injured on a trampoline. This unit services a catchment area of approximately 400,000 patients.

Eighty-eight patients were assessed (mean age: 8 years 6 months). There were 33 males and 55 females. Most injuries (53/88) occurred while bouncing on the trampoline, while 34 were secondary to falls off the trampoline. The injured child was supervised in only 40% cases. In 31 cases, the injury was attributable to the presence of others on the trampoline. Thirty-six children required surgery. Fracturesof the upper extremities occurred in 70% of cases.

Injuries related to the recreational use of trampolines are an important and significant cause of paediatric injury. These results strongly suggest that there is a clear need for guidelines.

We reviewed the records of children referred to our hospital between April and September 2005 who had been injured whilst trampolining.

Of 88 such children there were 33 boys and 55 girls with a mean age of 8 years 6 months (2 years 4 months to 15 years 9 months). Most of the injuries (53; 60%) occurred when bouncing and 34 (39%) were secondary to falls from the trampoline. The cause of injury was unknown in one child. The injured child was supervised in only 35 cases (40%). In 31 (35%) cases, the injury was related to the presence of others on the trampoline. A total of 36 (40%) children required surgery. Fractures of the upper limbs occurred in 62 cases (70%).

Injuries related to the recreational use of trampolines are a significant cause of childhood injury. Our results suggest strongly that there is a need for clear guidelines on safe and responsible use of domestic trampolines.