Tissue spacer implants and surgical methods for inserting the implants are disclosed. The implants may include a first cylindrical body with an outer surface, an axially extending hole, and a first end, a second cylindrical body with an outer surface and an axially extending hole, and an adjustment member with an outer surface, an axial hole, and at least one helical slot. The adjustment member axial hole may be adapted to receive the first cylindrical body and the adjustment member may be configured to be inserted into the axially extending hole of second cylindrical body. The implants may also include a travel mechanism for engaging the first cylindrical body, adjustment member, and second cylindrical body along the at least one helical slot to maintain a space between two bodies of tissue.