What is defined as an amputation at a joint, leaving the proximal bone(s) intact?

The term that describes an amputation at a joint while leaving the proximal bone(s) intact is known as disarticulation amputation. In this type of amputation, the surgical procedure involves cutting through the joint rather than through the bone, which preserves the proximal portions of the limbs or appendages connected to the joint. This can be advantageous for various reasons, including the potential for improved function and a more biologically favorable shape for a prosthesis.

In contrast, a partial amputation refers to removing a portion of a limb or digit but does not specifically denote an amputation at a joint. A transmetatarsal amputation is specific to the foot, where part of the metatarsal bones is removed but not necessarily at a joint. The Syme amputation is a specific type of disarticulation that involves the ankle joint, where the foot is removed at the ankle, but it does not encompass all joint disarticulations.