Spinal fusion implants and devices and methods for deploying such implants

A method of assembling a structure in vivo between two body tissue layers comprising first and second elongated members, an augmenting elongated member, and a locking member secured to one of the elongated members at a first location, the method comprising:

• delivering the first and second elongated members toward a location between two body tissue layers in a generally linear configuration to define at least a portion of a structure having a dimensional aspect in a direction extending generally from one of said body tissue layers to the other body tissue layer;
• changing the configurations of the first and second elongated members to a generally less linear configuration;
• inserting the augmenting elongated member between and in contact with the first and second elongated members to spread the first and second elongated members apart to increase the dimensional aspect of at least a portion of the structure;
• and
• securing the locking member to one of the elongated members at a second location, thereby locking the first and second elongated members in said generally less linear configuration.