A medical implant for supporting skeletal structures is disclosed. The
implant includes an expandable central portion formed of a first material
that at least partially inhibits the monitoring of bone in-growth using a
medical diagnostic technique. The implant further includes end caps for
mating with the central portion and the skeletal structure. The end caps
are made of a second material different than the first material that
inhibits the monitoring of bone in-growth using the medical diagnostic
technique to a lesser degree than the first material. In another aspect,
a polymer end member for use with a metallic implant for supporting a
skeletal structure is disclosed. The polymer end member facilitates the
monitoring of fusion or bone in-growth using fluoroscopy. In another
aspect, a spinal implant is disclosed. The implant includes a central
portion made of a first material and an end cap made of a different
material.