A system and method fare provided for preparing the distal tibia in an ankle replacement via an extra-medullary jig. An extra-medullary jig or C-bracket is positioned on the tibia with a registration reference and positioned with respect to a resection in the distal tibia via an anterior mounting block which is independent of the surface of the tibia. The mounting block allows the adjustment of the stem cartridge with respect to the registration reference such that the stem cartridge is properly aligned within the resection. The C-bracket is further attached to the tibia via an adjustable proximal alignment arm which attaches to a pin embedded in the proximal tibia. The C-bracket aligns the tibia, foot and ankle and the trajectory of the reamer, and is universal with respect to the left and right ankle.