Painful sequelae following limb salvage: etiology and management.

Inadequately controlled pain is a significant problem during limb salvage and is associated with poor outcomes. This pain has several causes, and many management options exist. Chronic pain associated with limb salvage causes unnecessary suffering and negatively affects long-term function. Chronic pain and disability in this population may be prevented with early, aggressive, comprehensive treatment. Ongoing research into the cause and clinical course of limb salvage pain likely will lead to advances in pain management and functional improvement.