A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes a tubular member
extending along a longitudinal axis and includes a first region comprised
of a shape-memory material. The first region includes a first
longitudinal height when the implant is maintained at a temperature below
a threshold temperature. The first region includes a second longitudinal
height when the implant is maintained at a temperature at or above the
threshold temperature. The tubular member further includes a second
region with a third longitudinal height regardless of whether the implant
is maintained above or below the threshold temperature. The second region
may be constructed of the same shape-memory material. The second region
may be disposed at an end of the tubular member. Bone-growth materials
may be packed into the ends of the tubular member. End pieces may be
coupled to the ends of the tubular member.