Trampoline injuries of the cervical spine

Trampolines were responsible for over 6,500 pediatric cervical spine injuri es in 1998, This represents a five-fold increase in just 10 years. While mo st have been minor, paraplegia, quadriplegia and death are all reported. We present 2 cases of trampoline-related cervical spine injury and review the relevant literature. Additionally, we examine the efforts made to reduce t he incidence of trampoline injuries, and discuss why these have failed. We conclude that safety guidelines and warnings are inadequate. In addition, w e support recommendations for a ban on the use of trampolines by children. Copyright (C) 2000 S.Karger AG, Basel.