What is a common method for demonstrating effectiveness of traction in children?

The effectiveness of traction in children is primarily demonstrated by the position of the hip and sacrum relative to the bed. When the hip and sacrum are off the bed, it indicates that the traction is appropriately applied, helping to alleviate pressure on joints and bones, and allowing for proper alignment and healing. This positioning indicates that the force being applied is functioning as intended to reduce fractures or dislocations, thereby facilitating recovery.

The other options, while they may represent considerations in assessing comfort and functionality, are not direct indicators of traction effectiveness. For instance, having the child move freely does not necessarily apply to all types of traction, especially if immobilization is required for healing. Avoiding signs of discomfort is important, but the presence or absence of discomfort alone does not assess the traction's effectiveness; discomfort may be subjective and varies from child to child. Lastly, taut ropes are an important aspect of traction setup but do not directly demonstrate the effectiveness in terms of skeletal alignment and relief of pressure.