Methods for adjustable bone fusion implants

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

removably securing a distal end of an inserter to an adjustable fusion implant;

positioning the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone;

expanding the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone;

sliding a reinforcing member along the inserter so that the reinforcing member couples with the expanded fusion implant; and

disconnecting the inserter from the fusion implant.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the act of positioning comprises placing the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent vertebrae.

3. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fusion implant has a first plate and an opposing second plate with a compartment formed therebetween, the method further comprising inserting the reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate after the fusion implant has been expanded.

4. A method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising inserting a portion of a tool used to expand the fusion implant within the fusion implant prior to the act of positioning the adjustable fusion implant.

5. A method a recited in claim 1 , further comprising at least partially packing the fusion implant with an osteogenic substance after the fusion implant is expanded.

6. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the act of expanding comprises:

expanding at least a portion of a tool within the fusion implant so as to selectively expand the fusion implant; and

removing the tool from within the fusion implant.

7. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the act of sliding the reinforcing member comprises:

advancing a tubular push rod over a proximal end of the inserter; and

moving the push rod along the inserter so that the push rod advances the reinforcing member into at least a portion of the compartment.

8. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the act of sliding the reinforcing member comprises:

removably connecting a distal end of a tubular push rod to the reinforcing member; and

moving the push rod along the inserter so that the push rod advances the reinforcing member into at least a portion of the compartment.

9. A method as recited in claim 8 , further comprising:

removing the inserter; and

delivering bone graft through the tubular push rod and into the compartment.

10. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fusion implant is expanded by removably inserting a tool within the fusion implant.

11. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein a push rod is removably connected to the reinforcing member prior to sliding the reinforcing member along the inserter.

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

removably securing a distal end of an inserter to an adjustable fusion implant;

positioning the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone; and

sliding an expansion tool along the inserter so that at least a portion of the expansion tool is removably received within the fusion implant, the expansion tool being adapted to facilitate expansion of the fusion implant.

13. A method as recited in claim 12 , wherein the act of positioning comprises placing the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent vertebrae.

14. A method as recited in claim 12 , further comprising:

sliding a reinforcing member along the inserter so that the reinforcing member couples with the expanded fusion implant; and

disconnecting the inserter from the fusion implant.

15. A method as recited in claim 12 , further comprising inserting a reinforcing member into the fusion implant after the expansion tool has been removed from the fusion implant.

16. A method as recited in claim 12 , wherein the portion of the expansion tool is inserted within the fusion implant prior to the act of positioning the adjustable fusion implant.

17. A method as recited in claim 12 , further comprising at least partially packing the fusion implant with an osteogenic substance after the fusion implant is expanded.

18. A method as recited in claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of the inserter is threadedly connected to the fusion implant.

19. A method as recited in claim 12 , further comprising expanding the portion of the expansion tool within the fusion implant.

20. A method as recited in claim 12 , wherein the fusion implant is expanded when the expansion tool is received within the fusion implant.

21. A method for fusing two vertebrae, the method comprising:

mechanically interlocking an inserter to an adjustable fusion implant such that the inserter is temporarily fixed to the fusion implant;

positioning the adjustable fusion implant between two adjacent bones or pieces of bone;

expanding the fusion implant between the bones or pieces of bone;

coupling a reinforcing member to the expanded fusion implant using the inserter as a guide for the reinforcing member; and

disconnecting the inserter from the fusion implant.

22. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the act of expanding comprises:

expanding at least a portion of a tool within the fusion implant so as to selectively expand the fusion implant; and

removing the tool from within the fusion implant.

23. A method as recited in claim 23 , further comprising inserting the portion of the tool within the fusion implant prior to the act of inserting the adjustable fusion implant.

24. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the fusion implant has a first plate and an opposing second plate with a compartment formed therebetween, the method further comprising inserting the reinforcing member between the first plate and the second plate after the fusion implant has been expanded.

25. A method as recited in claim 24 , wherein the reinforcing member is inserted within the compartment of the fusion implant.

26. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein mechanically interlocking an insertor to an adjustable fusion implant comprises threadedly connecting at least a portion of the inserter to the fusion implant.

27. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the fusion implant is expanded by inserter an expansion tool within the fusion implant.

28. A method as recited in claim 21 , further comprising removably connecting a push rod to the reinforcing member prior to coupling the reinforcing member to the expanded fusion implant.

29. A method as recited in claim 28 , further comprising threadedly connecting the push rod to the reinforcing member.

30. A method as recited in claim 28 , further comprising using the push rod to slide the reinforcing member along the inserter.

31. A method as recited in claim 21 , further comprising packing the reinforcing member with an osteogenic substance prior to coupling the reinforcing member to the fusion implant.