Adjustable bone fusion implant and method

A method for fusing two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the method comprising:

• inserting an adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone, the fusion implant having a first plate and an opposing second plate with a compartment formed therebetween;
• expanding the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone so as to further separate the first plate from the second plate;
• and
• positioning a reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate such that the application of a compressive force between the first plate and the second plate causes the reinforcing member to be compressed between the first plate and the second plate.

A method for fusing two vertebrae, the method comprising:

• forming a posterior opening through a back of a person so as to expose two vertebrae, the two vertebrae having a wedged shape gap formed therebetween that enlarges anteriorly toward a front of the person;
• inserting an adjustable fusion implant through the posterior opening and into the gap formed between the vertebrae, the fusion implant comprising a first plate and an opposing second plate and having a wedge shaped configuration that enlarges from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end of the fusion implant being inserted first into the gap formed between the vertebrae;
• expanding the fusion implant disposed between vertebrae such that the fusion implant maintains a wedge shaped configuration;
• and inserting a reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate.