Vertebral body replacement device and method for use to maintain a space between two vertebral bodies within a spine

A vertebral body replacement device having a longitudinal axis and comprising:

• a first member and a first footplate detachably connectable to the first member;
• a second member and a second footplate detachably connectable to the second member;
• and
• a central member detachably connectable to the first member by a threaded connection,
• the first member being axially displaceable relative to the second member in response to rotational motion of the central member relative to the first member so as to adjust an overall length of the vertebral body replacement device,
• the first footplate comprising a first surface oriented toward the first member, a second surface opposite the first surface and oriented away from the first member, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface,
• the first surface comprising an alignment slot facing the first member, the alignment slot is open through the sidewall of the first footplate and configured to slidingly engage the first member to securely orient the first footplate relative to the first member.