Trampoline Fracture Research Articles

Trampolines Versus Playgrounds - A Comparative Assessment of Pediatric Fractures Sustained From Recreational Play.

Using the Pediatric Health Information System, this study compared the relative severity of fractures sustained from trampolines with those from other playground equipment. Pediatric patients were identified in the Pediatric Health Information System with trampoline-related injuries (TRIs) or playground-related injuries (PRIs) diagnosed as fractures. Adjustments were made for hospital, year of injury, sex, age, race, median household income, and rurality through propensity score weighting. Four injury-related outcome measures were examined as a proxy for injury severity. A total of 133,232 patients met inclusion criteria. In unadjusted univariate analyses, TRIs were associated with greater odds of severe fracture and lower odds of receiving surgical treatment (OR = 0.954) compared with PRIs. After adjustment, TRIs sustained in late childhood and adolescence were more likely to receive surgical management (OR = 1.092 and OR = 1.192, respectively) while TRIs sustained in younger children were less likely (OR = 0.607) than PRIs. Youths in late childhood and adolescence are at increased odds of undergoing surgical management after trampoline fractures. Beyond underscoring the risks of trampoline play, our results highlight the importance of considering age in recreational injury epidemiology and the public health safety initiatives aimed at specific age groups.

Artificial intelligence-based detection of paediatric appendicular skeletal fractures: performance and limitations for common fracture types and locations

BackgroundResearch into artificial intelligence (AI)-based fracture detection in children is scarce and has disregarded the detection of indirect fracture signs and dislocations.ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of an existing AI-tool for the detection of fractures, indirect fracture signs, and dislocations.Materials and methodsAn AI software, BoneView (Gleamer, Paris, France), was assessed for diagnostic accuracy of fracture detection using paediatric radiology consensus diagnoses as reference. Radiographs from a single emergency department were enrolled retrospectively going back from December 2021, limited to 1,000 radiographs per body part. Enrolment criteria were as follows: suspected fractures of the forearm, lower leg, or elbow; age 0–18 years; and radiographs in at least two projections.ResultsLower leg radiographs showed 607 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were high (87.5%, 87.5%, 98.3%, 98.3%, respectively). Detection rate was low for toddler’s fractures, trampoline fractures, and proximal tibial Salter-Harris-II fractures. Forearm radiographs showed 1,137 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were high (92.9%, 98.1%, 98.4%, 91.7%, respectively). Radial and ulnar bowing fractures were not reliably detected (one out of 11 radial bowing fractures and zero out of seven ulnar bowing fractures were correctly detected). Detection rate was low for styloid process avulsions, proximal radial buckle, and complete olecranon fractures. Elbow radiographs showed 517 fractures. Sensitivity and NPV were moderate (80.5%, 84.7%, respectively). Specificity and PPV were high (94.9%, 93.3%, respectively). For joint effusion, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were moderate (85.1%, 85.7%, 89.5%, 80%, respectively). For elbow dislocations, sensitivity and PPV were low (65.8%, 50%, respectively). Specificity and NPV were high (97.7%, 98.8%, respectively).ConclusionsThe diagnostic performance of BoneView is promising for forearm and lower leg fractures. However, improvement is mandatory before clinicians can rely solely on AI-based paediatric fracture detection using this software.Graphical

Partial Remodeling after Conservative Treatment of Trampoline Fractures in Children.

(1) Background: Trampoline fractures (proximal tibia fracture with positive anterior tilt) are increasing. This study represents the first attempt to determine the extent of remodeling in these fractures after conservative treatment (2) Methods: This Swiss prospective multicenter study included children aged 2 to 5 years with a trampoline fracture who were radiologically examined on the day of the accident and after one year. In addition, the anterior tilt angle was compared between the injured and unaffected tibia. Remodeling was defined as complete (final anterior tilt angle ≤ 0°), incomplete (smaller but still >0°), or no remodeling. (3) Results: The mean extent of remodeling was -3.5° (95% CI: -4.29°, -2.66°, p < 0.001). Among the 89 children included in the study, 26 (29.2%) showed complete, 63 (70.8%) incomplete, and 17 patients (19.1%) no remodeling. Comparison of the anterior tilt angles between the fractured and healthy tibia showed that the anterior tilt angle on the fractured leg was, on average larger by 2.82° (95% CI: 2.01°, 3.63°; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Although the anterior tilt angle decreased during the study period, the majority of patients showed incomplete remodeling. In contrast, children with radiological examinations >1 year after the trauma showed advanced remodeling, suggesting that one year is too short to observe complete remodeling.

Rates of Pediatric Trampoline Fractures are Jumping: A National Report (2008-2017)

Purpose: To estimate changes in the incidence of trampoline-related pediatric fractures that presented to United States emergency departments between 2008 and 2017. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for all pediatric (0-17 years of age) fractures related to trampoline use between 2008 and 2017. Year, gender, anatomical location, locale of injury (home, sport, etc.), and age were collected. A Poisson regression analysis was used to analyze changes in trampoline fracture incidence over the decade. U.S. census data was used as …

Rates of Pediatric Trampoline Fractures are Jumping: A National Report (2008-2017)

Rates of Pediatric Trampoline Fractures are Jumping: A National Report (2008-2017)

Trends in Trampoline Fractures: 2008-2017.

In this study, we aim to evaluate the current trends in pediatric fractures related to trampolines. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for fractures occurring between 2008 and 2017 in individuals aged 0 to 17 years. Sex, anatomic region, locale of injury, admission status, and year of injury were recorded. Incidence rates were calculated by using national census data. Poisson regression analysis was used to test for changes in fracture incidence across the time period. Logistic regression analyses were used to test temporal trends in the odds of a fracture occurring at a place of recreation or sport and a patient with a fracture being admitted. Between 2008 and 2017, there was a 3.85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-7.30) increase in the incidence of trampoline-related pediatric fractures per person-year. The incidence of pediatric trampoline-related fractures increased from 35.3 per 100 000 person-years in 2008 to 53.0 per 100 000 person-years in 2017. There was no change in the odds of a trampoline fracture requiring hospitalization (odds ratio per 1 year: 1.02; 95% CI: 0 6-1.07; P = .5431). There was a significant increase in the odds of a fracture occurring at a place of recreation or sport (odds ratio per year: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.21-1.43; P < .0001). Between 2008 and 2017, there was a significant increase in the national incidence of trampoline-related fractures. We identified a significant increase in the proportion of trampoline fractures that occurred at a place of recreation or sport. Advocacy campaigns should consider these sites in their prevention efforts.

Treatment of typical trampoline fracture of the proximal tibia in children: results of minimum 1 year follow-up.

To evaluate the results of trampoline fracture of the proximal tibia treated with either external fixator or conservative management at a minimum 1-year follow-up. A retrospective review was performed on 22 children who between January 2005 and November 2013 presented with proximal metaphyseal fracture due to trampoline injury. Proximal metaphyseal fractures in 22 pediatric patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated. Of 22 subjects, 9 were male, 13 were female, and mean age was 4.2years (range 2-7). In terms of comorbid injury, 1 proximal humerus fracture, two distal humerus fractures were present. Injury mechanism-wise, jumping with companions who had a weight difference accounted for 16, similar age, but jumping with multiple companions were three, direct crush were three. There were no differences in the valgus angle or length of the legs during the 2 year follow-up period. However, epiphyseal tibia shaft angle significantly decreased and proximal epiphysis was found to be flat compared to the contralateral side. Jumping with companion with a large difference in body weight, the first experience of jumping on trampoline and state of extension of knee at the time of injury was revealed to be risk factors for trampoline fractures. During a follow-up period of 1 year or longer, it was concluded that valgus deformity of lower extremity or leg length discrepancy were not noticeable.

Buckle fracture of the proximal tibia in children and frequency of association with trampoline and inflatable bouncer use.

Proximal tibial buckle fractures are often called "trampoline fractures," but mechanisms are more varied. To assess the frequency of trampoline or bouncer etiology among children with buckle fracture of the proximal tibia, characterizing demographics, alternative etiologies, and fracture patterns. We performed retrospective chart review of mechanisms, age and gender of children with radiographs interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture between 2010 and 2016. Two pediatric radiologists assessed presence of cortical impaction, cortical break, increased anterior scoop deformity, and oblique extension of fracture toward the physis. We studied the associations among demographics, etiology and fracture appearance using analysis of variance and chi-square/Fisher exact tests. We identified 145 exams interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture (median age 34months, 64% girls). Bouncing surface was the most common mechanism (44%), and 80% of those cases reported multiple people on the bouncing surface. Falls were the second most common mechanism (30%). Children injured while bouncing were older (median 41months) than others (median 21months, P<0.005) and more likely to have oblique extension of fracture toward the physis (P<0.05). Buckle deformity was associated with a younger age (F=8.67; P<0.01), while oblique extension to the physis and concurrent fibula fracture were associated with older age (F=18.62, P<0.001; and F=8.02, P<0.01, respectively). Trampoline use was the most common single mechanism of injury in children with proximal tibial fracture interpreted as buckle deformity. However, non-bouncing mechanisms were overall more common and occurred in a younger age group at risk for "toddler fractures."

Children’s orthopaedics

The December 2014 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: predicting drift in supracondylar fractures; do normal hips dislocate?; the burden of trampoline fractures; muscle eversion activity is strongly predictive of outcome in CTEV; the modified Dunn osteotomy; plaster and moulded casts; and psychology and fractures.

Fractures From Trampolines

No study specifically analyzes trampoline fracture patterns across a large population. The purpose of this study was to determine such patterns. We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database for trampoline injuries between 2002 and 2011, and the patients were analyzed by age, sex, race, anatomic location of the injury, geographical location of the injury, and disposition from the emergency department (ED). Statistical analyses were performed with SUDAAN 10 software. Estimated expenses were determined using 2010 data. There were an estimated 1,002,735 ED visits for trampoline-related injuries; 288,876 (29.0%) sustained fractures. The average age for those with fractures was 9.5 years; 92.7% were aged 16 years or younger; 51.7% were male, 95.1% occurred at home, and 9.9% were admitted. The fractures were located in the upper extremity (59.9%), lower extremity (35.7%), and axial skeleton (spine, skull/face, rib/sternum) (4.4%-spine 1.0%, skull/face 2.9%, rib/sternum 0.5%). Those in the axial skeleton were older (16.5 y) than the upper extremity (8.7 y) or lower extremity (10.0 y) (P<0.0001) and more frequently male (67.9%). Lower extremity fractures were more frequently female (54.0%) (P<0.0001). The forearm (37%) and elbow (19%) were most common in the upper extremity; elbow fractures were most frequently admitted (20.0%). The tibia/fibula (39.5%) and ankle (31.5%) were most common in the lower extremity; femur fractures were most frequently admitted (57.9%). Cervical (36.4%) and lumbar (24.7%) were most common locations in the spine; cervical fractures were the most frequently admitted (75.6%). The total ED expense for all trampoline injuries over this 10-year period was $1.002 billion and $408 million for fractures. Trampoline fractures most frequently involve the upper extremity followed by the lower extremity, >90% occur in children. The financial burden to society is large. Further efforts for prevention are needed.

The anterior tilt angle of the proximal tibia epiphyseal plate: A significant radiological finding in young children with trampoline fractures

ObjectiveEvaluation of the anterior tilt angle of the proximal tibia epiphyseal plate in young children, which suffered a trampoline fracture in comparison with a normal population. Materials and methods62 children (31 females, 31 males) between 2 and 5 years of age (average 2 years 11 months, standard deviation 11 months) with radiographs in two views of the tibia were included in this retrospective study. 25 children with proximal tibia fractures were injured with a history of jumping on a trampoline. All other causes for tibia fractures were excluded. A normal age-mapped control cohort of 37 children was compared. These children had neither evidence of a trampoline related injury nor a fracture of the tibia. The anterior tilt angle of the epiphyseal plate of the tibia was defined as an angle between the proximal tibia physis and the distal tibia physis on a lateral view. Two radiologists evaluated all radiographs for fractures and measured the anterior tilt angle in consensus. An unpaired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis (SPSS). Original reports were reviewed and compared with the radiological findings and follow-up radiographs. ResultsIn the normal control group, the average anterior tilt angle measured −3.2°, SD±2.8°. The children with trampoline fractures showed an anterior tilt of +4.4°, SD±2.9°. The difference was statistically significant, P<0.0001. In 6 patients (24% of all patients with confirmed fractures) the original report missed to diagnose the proximal tibial fracture. ConclusionYoung children between 2 and 5 years of age are at risk for proximal tibia fractures while jumping on a trampoline. These fractures may be very subtle and difficult to detect on initial radiographs. Measurement of the anterior tilt angle of the proximal tibia epiphyseal plate on lateral radiographs is supportive for interpreting correctly trampoline fractures.

Differential diagnosis of trampoline fracture from osteomyelitis by bone scan with pinhole collimator

A 2-year-old girl with recent history of trampoline fall presented to the A&E Department for complete functional impairment of the left lower extremity and fever. Blood examination revealed an inflammatory syndrome, while plain radiographs were normal. As magnetic resonance imaging was unavailable, a bone scintigraphy was performed. While standard acquisition found an intense uptake focused on the left proximal tibial metaphysis whose appearance was suggestive of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, complementary acquisition with the pinhole collimator demonstrated that this abnormal uptake was clearly distinct from the cartilage growth plate. One month follow-up radiographs showed a fracture that confirmed the diagnosis of trampoline fracture.

List of Societies

Trampoline fractures are transversely oriented impaction fractures of the proximal tibia sustained by young children jumping on a trampoline. Unaware of the mechanism of this specific nontraumatic fracture, physicians may fail to detect these fractures on plain radiographs, as radiological findings may be very subtle. In this case report, we present a rare case of bilateral trampoline fractures with an explanation of the trauma mechanism.

Trampoline related injuries in children: risk factors and radiographic findings

Backyard trampolines are immensely popular among children, but are associated with an increase of trampoline-related injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographs of children with trampoline related injuries and to determine the risk factors. Between 2003 and 2009, 286 children under the age of 16 with backyard trampoline injuries were included in the study. The number of injuries increased from 13 patients in 2003 to 86 in 2009. The median age of the 286 patients was 7 years (range: 1-15 years). Totally 140 (49%) patients were males, and 146 (51%) females. Medical records and all available diagnostic imaging were reviewed. A questionnaire was sent to the parents to evaluate the circumstances of each injury, the type of trampoline, the protection equipment and the experience of the children using the trampoline. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the University Hospital of Bern. The questionnaires and radiographs of the 104 patients were available for evaluation. A fracture was sustained in 51 of the 104 patients. More than 75% of all patients sustaining injuries and in 90% of patients with fractures were jumping on the trampoline with other children at the time of the accident. The most common fractures were supracondylar humeral fractures (29%) and forearm fractures (25%). Fractures of the proximal tibia occurred especially in younger children between 2-5 years of age. Children younger than 5 years old are at risk for specific proximal tibia fractures ("Trampoline Fracture"). A child jumping simultaneously with other children has a higher risk of suffering from a fracture.

Trampoline fracture of the proximal tibia in children. Report of cases and review of the literature.

It was interesting to see the report by Bruyeer et al about trampoline fracture of the proximal tibia (1). I had the opportunity to publish a report of 7 cases with similar fracture few months following your report (2).

Trampoline fracture of the proximal tibial metaphysis in children may not progress into valgus: A report of seven cases and a brief review

Fracture of the proximal tibial metaphysis in children is a rare injury but notorious for carrying the risk of subsequent valgus deformity of the tibia. Trampoline-caused fracture of the proximal tibial metaphysis in children may not progress into valgus. We followed up six children who collectively sustained seven fractures of the proximal tibial metaphysis while trampolining with other heavier and/or older children. Initial and follow-up x-rays were reviewed by an orthopaedic surgeons and two radiologists. None of the patients developed valgus deformity with follow-up. Trampoline is associated with a specific type of injury to the proximal tibia when children are trampolining with other heavier children even without falling off the trampoline. This fracture is linear and complete, often non-displaced. Unlike "other" proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures, trampoline-associated proximal tibial metaphysical fracture in children is not associated with a risk of subsequent valgus deformity. Level 4. case series.

'Trampoline fracture' of the proximal tibia in children: report of 3 cases and review of literature

We present three cases of fracture of the proximal tibia in young children who were jumping on a trampoline. The typical radiological findings and the underlying mechanism of trauma are discussed. The key radiological features are: a transverse hairline fracture of the upper tibia often accompanied by a buckle fracture of the lateral or medial tibial cortex, buckling of the anterior upper tibial cortex and anterior tilting of the epiphyseal plate. New types of injuries related to specific recreational activities are recognized. It is often helpful to associate a typical injury with a particular activity. Trampoline related injuries have increased dramatically over the last years. The most common lesions are fractures and ligamentous injuries, in particular a transverse fracture of the proximal tibia. However the radiological findings can be very subtle and easily overlooked. It is therefore important to be aware of the typical history and radiological findings.

Final Comments by the Authors

Evaluation of the anterior tilt angle of the proximal tibia epiphyseal plate in young children, which suffered a trampoline fracture in comparison with a normal population.62 children (31 females, 31 males) between 2 and 5 years of age (average 2 years 11 months, standard deviation 11 months) with radiographs in two views of the tibia were included in this retrospective study. 25 children with proximal tibia fractures were injured with a history of jumping on a trampoline. All other causes for tibia fractures were excluded. A normal age-mapped control cohort of 37 children was compared. These children had neither evidence of a trampoline related injury nor a fracture of the tibia. The anterior tilt angle of the epiphyseal plate of the tibia was defined as an angle between the proximal tibia physis and the distal tibia physis on a lateral view. Two radiologists evaluated all radiographs for fractures and measured the anterior tilt angle in consensus. An unpaired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis (SPSS). Original reports were reviewed and compared with the radiological findings and follow-up radiographs.In the normal control group, the average anterior tilt angle measured −3.2°, SD ± 2.8°. The children with trampoline fractures showed an anterior tilt of +4.4°, SD ± 2.9°. The difference was statistically significant, P < 0.0001. In 6 patients (24% of all patients with confirmed fractures) the original report missed to diagnose the proximal tibial fracture.Young children between 2 and 5 years of age are at risk for proximal tibia fractures while jumping on a trampoline. These fractures may be very subtle and difficult to detect on initial radiographs. Measurement of the anterior tilt angle of the proximal tibia epiphyseal plate on lateral radiographs is supportive for interpreting correctly trampoline fractures.

Trampoline fracture of the proximal tibia in children.

Seven children (aged 2-5 years) sustained fractures of the proximal tibial metaphysis while jumping on a trampoline with a heavier child or adult. Most impaction fractures were transverse and neither angulated nor displaced. None of the children developed permanent disability or impairment. Parents and physicians should be aware of the possible danger to small children while tandem jumping on a trampoline with a heavier partner.