*2.4. Data Extraction*

The data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form and entered into an excel sheet (Excel, Microsoft Corporation, WA, USA). The following study details were extracted where possible from included studies: first author, publication year, region, publication journal, type of study, year of study, sample size, participant demographic details, thoracolumbar fracture level, surgical approach, segmental fixation, time to implant removal, cause of implant removal, and clinical outcomes after implant removal. Data from the research were compared, and disagreements were resolved by consensus among researchers.
