A total knee arthorplasty in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is accomplished by surgically removing the meniscus and adjacent joint end portions of the femur and tibia and then replacing the first one of the removed joint end portions with a first prosthetic component. Thereafter a flexible protector shim is temporally inserted between the first prosthetic component and the other of the joint end portions. Then the other of the removed joint end portions is replaced with a second prosthetic component while the protector shim is maintained in position between the prosthetic components for thereby preventing scarring, scratching and minimizing movement during the cement curing phase of the insertion process. The protector shim is thereafter removed and a prosthetic meniscus is inserted between the two prosthetic components. If retractors are utilized for inserting the prosthetic meniscus, then the protector shim is maintained in position between the components to assist in the insertion of retractors without snagging or scarring the prosthetic components. Thereafter the protector shim is removed.