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Trampolines have sprouted like mushrooms in backyards across the United States in the past 20 years, growing in popularity and becoming standard equipment for endless hours of outdoor play.
But now, as kids start to enjoy their summer vacation, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has taken a stance against recreational home use of trampolines, citing the increasing numbers of injuries children are sustaining while playing on them.
More than 211,000 young people, many as old as 19, were treated in hospitals, doctors' officers and clinics in 2003, the most recent year for which statistics were compiled, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those injuries translated to nearly $4.2 billion in medical, work-loss, legal and other costs, according to the commission.
Sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts are common injuries associated with trampoline jumping. Most trampoline-related injuries result from collisions with another person, improper landing while jumping or executing stunts, falls or jumps off the trampoline and falls onto the springs or frame.
Younger children are at a greater risk for fractures, while older children more often suffer sprains and strains. Severe or life-threatening injuries, such as neck and spinal cord injuries, are not common, but they do occur.
"The number of children sustaining severe injuries from trampoline use is increasing," says Timothy Kremchek, a surgeon and member of the academy.
While recommending against the use of backyard trampolines, the academy also offered safety tips in an attempt to reduce the number and severity of injuries:
- Children should receive instruction before jumping on trampolines, and competent adult spotters should be present whenever children jump.
-The trampoline should be placed away from structures, trees, fences and other play areas, with legs placed firmly into a home slightly wider and longer than the frame and deep enough so the mat is level to the ground.
-All supporting bars, hooks, springs, strings and surrounding landing surfaces should be covered with shock-absorbent padding, and somersaults or high-risk moves should be attempted only with prior instruction, appropriate supervision and while wearing protective equipment, such as a harness and helmet.
-The trampoline should not be jumped on in rain, snow or icy conditions and the trampoline should be tipped onto its side (if possible) when not in use to prevent children from playing on it when adults are not present.
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(c) 2005, St. Paul Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.). Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service.
