While playgrounds can be enjoyable for children, they are a land mine for possible injuries. In a study looking at playground safety in Australia, monkey bars were the leading cause of upper extremity fractures. The fractures caused by monkey bars were also more likely to require reduction or operative fixation. The risk of fracture significantly increases after a fall above 1.5 meters. Children ages 5-9 years were the most susceptible to playground falls.
Why does this matter? Playgrounds have made modifications to prevent other types of injury (such as the modification of the playground surface to prevent head injuries). Reduction in the height of monkey bars, may reduce or limit the severity of these upper extremity fractures.
References
Curnow H and Millar R. Too far to fall: Exploring the relationship between playground equipment and paediatric upper limb fractures. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health. 2021.
