Pediatric neck injuries associated with trampoline use

Area of Science:

• Pediatric emergency medicine
• Injury prevention
• Biomechanics of trauma

Background:

• Trampolines are a popular recreational activity for children.
• Trampoline-related injuries account for a significant number of emergency department visits.
• Neck injuries represent a serious concern among pediatric trampoline users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of neck injuries in children with trampoline-related injuries.
• To identify the specific mechanisms leading to pediatric neck injuries on trampolines.
• To analyze demographic and injury characteristics of pediatric neck injuries.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database from 2012 to 2021.
• Inclusion of patients aged 0-19 years with trampoline-related injuries.
• Utilized NEISS codes for neck injuries (89) and trampoline use (1233).

Main Results:

• Neck injuries constituted 4.2% (1436 cases) of 33,929 total trampoline injuries.
• The mean age for neck injuries was higher (9.2 years) compared to other injuries (8.0 years).
• Neck strains/sprains were the most common diagnosis (69%), followed by contusions (2%) and fractures (1%).
• Males (56%) had a higher proportion of neck injuries than females (44%).
• Children with neck injuries were more likely to be discharged (96%) than those with other injuries (93%).

Conclusions:

• Neck strains and sprains are the predominant pediatric neck injuries associated with trampolines.
• Older children and male demographics are at higher risk for trampoline-related neck injuries.
• Understanding injury mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.