A method of preparing the proximal tibial and distal ends of the femur for the implantation of prosthetic components, including the steps of exposing the joint; resecting the distal end of the femur; resecting the tibia; and making a preliminary rough cut of a posterior portion of the pair of condyles. The rough cut is made by positioning a guide on the distal end of the femur and severing a small piece of the posterior portion of the pair of condyles. The rough cut is made prior to the step of resecting the tibia. The method may include finishing the femur by severing and removing a final piece of the posterior portion of the pair of condyles. The small piece removed in the preliminary rough cut step is sized to preserve enough of posterior portion to permit the removal of the final piece.