Jumping on a trampoline puts children at risk of cruciate ligament tears.

The website “Apotheken.de” warned that jumping on a trampoline increases the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in young children, as well as bone fractures and spinal injuries, due to their incomplete motor and coordination skills and unstable joints.

The site, which is the official portal for German pharmacists, noted that the risk is particularly high when multiple children jump together, as one child may fall on another, land incorrectly, or fall off the trampoline.

It added that such accidents also commonly occur during other sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and skiing, and that an ACL injury can often be identified by a “popping” sound, accompanied by swelling or immediate knee instability.

The danger is heightened because young children cannot undergo surgery in the same way as adults due to their open growth plates. Serious knee injuries at an early age may prevent children from participating in competitive sports later in life and significantly increase the risk of osteoarthritis, making the knee effectively 10 to 20 years older than the child’s actual age.

To reduce the risk of injury, it is recommended to take preventive measures when using a trampoline, such as having the child jump alone, learning proper landing techniques, jumping barefoot, and ensuring the trampoline is sturdy and safe before use.