Takahashi S, Hoshino M, Takayama K, et al. - This study was sought to demonstrate the time courses and effect of the paravertebral muscles (PVMs) on the healing process of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and risk factors for PVM decrease. Researchers included consecutive patients with symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures in 11 hospitals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to examine PVMs, including the multifidus and erector spinae at enrollment and 3- and 6-month follow-up. They assessed the PVM cross-sectional area and fat signal fraction at L3. They evaluated low back pain (LBP), activities of daily living (ADLs), and risk factors for PVM decrease at the 6-month follow-up. A total of 153 patients were included in the study. After osteoporotic vertebral fracture onset, PVM decrease was significantly related to LBP and delayed union. At the 3-month follow-up, ADL decline was a risk factor for PVM decrease. Thus, restoring ADLs within 3 months after onset is important.