Homemade zipline and playground track ride injuries in children

Background/PurposePlayground track ride and homemade zipline-related injuries are increasingly common in the emergency department, with serious injuries and even deaths reported.MethodsRetrospective review of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database (2009-2015), followed by review of our academic pediatric trauma center's prospectively-maintained database (2005-2013). We included children ages 0-17 years of age with zipline-related injuries. We recorded annual incidence of zipline-related injury, zipline type (homemade or playground), injuries and mechanism.ResultsIn the NEISS database, 9397 (95%CI 6728-12,065) total zipline-related injuries were reported (45.9% homemade, 54.1% playground). Homemade but not playground injuries increased over time. Common injuries were fracture (49.8%), contusion/laceration (21.2%) and head injury (12.7%). Fall was predominant mechanism (83%). Age 5-9 was most frequently affected (59%). Our center database (n = 35, 40% homemade, 1 fatality) revealed characteristics concordant with NEISS data. Head injury was related to fall height > 5 ft and impact with another structure.ConclusionsHomemade zipline injuries are increasing. Children ages 5-9 are at particular risk and should be carefully supervised. Despite protective surfaces, playground ziplines cause significant head injury, extremity fracture and high rates of hospital admission. Playground surface standards should be reviewed and revised as needed.Level of evidencePrognosis Study, Level III.