Expandable Vertebral Implant

A method for fixating an orthopedic device in between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient, wherein the orthopedic device comprises a spacer and a first anchor, said method comprising:

• inserting the spacer between the adjacent vertebral bodies, the spacer including:
• a body member;
• a translation member received in the body member;
• an upper endplate, having an upper plate portion comprising a bottom post, configured to engage the translation member;
• a lower endplate, having a lower plate portion comprising a top post, configured to engage the translation member;
• an actuation member operably connected to the translation member, whereby operation of the actuation member causes the upper endplate and the lower endplate to move in a direction away from the translation member;
• and
• a first socket,
• wherein in a contracted position the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion are configured to be received in the body member without exposing the top post and the bottom post;
• and
• positioning a first anchor configured to fasten the spacer to the patient, wherein the anchor is received in the first socket.