The footplate member includes an end surface, a sidewall that is attached to the end surface, and an orientation mechanism that is designed to align the footplate member in a certain position relative to at least one of the two end members of the vertebral body replacement device. The orientation mechanism includes a plurality of tabs located on an end wall of each end member and corresponding slots located along the edge of the sidewall, with the tabs and slots being sized and positioned to mate. The footplate member also includes a locking mechanism designed to couple the footplate member to an end member prior to the implantation of the vertebral body replacement device within a space within a spinal column. A method for assembling a vertebral body replacement device and a method for using a footplate member in a vertebral body replacement device is also disclosed.