Stabilizing vertebrae with expandable spacers

A method of installing a spinal device in an intervertebral space, comprising:

• introducing a first bone contacting endplate having a first surface for contacting a surface of a first bone and a second surface into the intervertebral space;
• introducing a second bone contacting endplate having a third surface contacting a surface of a second bone and a fourth surface into the intervertebral space;
• and
• introducing an expandable element having an upper end and a lower end into the intervertebral space after introducing the first bone contacting endplate and the second bone contacting endplate such that the expandable element is positionable between said first and second bone contacting endplates,
• expanding the expandable element such that the upper end of the expandable element engages with the second surface of the first bone contacting endplate pushing the first bone contacting endplate against the first bone and the lower end of the expandable element engages with the fourth surface of the second bone contacting endplate pushing the second bone contacting endplate against the second bone,
• wherein the expandable element comprises a housing and a threaded shaft that passes through a nut and into the housing, wherein the threaded shaft is non-rotatable,
• wherein the expandable element remains in the intervertebral space.