A provisional component for use with differently sized first and second
prosthetic orthopedic components. The provisional component has a
configuration which is substantially similar to the first prosthetic
component and has a predefined correspondence to the second prosthetic
component. The provisional component is mounted on a bone to assess the
fit of the first prosthetic component. The provisional component includes
a referencing element for defining a reference point on the bone if the
fit of the provisional component indicates that the second prosthetic
component should be used. An instrument guide is aligned with the
reference point and used to properly position a surgical instrument to
prepare the bone to receive the second prosthetic component. The
provisional and prosthetic components may all be femoral components which
have an articulating surface defining a single condylar-shaped
projection.