Method and apparatus for preparing the bone at a joint for the implant of a component part of a prosthetic device include a contouring guide placed on the bone at a predetermined site and having a guide rail for delineating a path of travel to which a contouring cutter is confined while translated along the contouring guide for removing bone along a surface of predetermined area and contour to establish an accurately defined seating area for the component part with minimal intrusion into the joint.