Abstract: A metal coated implant and a method for using the implant for expanding an intervertebral disc space is provided. The implant comprises a polymer substrate and a metallic coating layer wherein the metallic coating layer is attached to the polymer substrate. There metal coated implant further comprising a biocompatible radiolucent polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, and a metallic coating layer that is a titanium (Ti) or gold (Au) material. The metal coated implant's radiolucent and radiopaque properties enhance a surgeon's ability to distinctly visualize the metal coated implant to thereby better control and maneuver the delivery, insertion, trajectory, position and orientation of the metal coated implant through the patient anatomical environment and into the vertebral disc space.