Resumo (EN)
Spondylodiscitis is an uncommon self-limited infectious disease which generates an inflammatory process affecting the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies, sometimes extending to epidural space and paravertebral soft tissues. This work aimed at carrying out a breathing muscle strength test in order to evaluate the chest cage expansibility before and after a physiotherapy treatment. This study is a case report about a 37-year-old female patient admitted at Santa Casa de São José do Rio Preto, Hospital in São José do Rio Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil, with diagnosis of spondylodiscitis in T10-T11 and L2-L3. A physiotherapy evaluation was accomplished and later a 30-day treatment protocol was set up, consisting of lung re-expansion exercises (SMI, Inspiration in times) and incentive spirometry with Voldyne 5000 Volumetric Exerciser. The results were obtained by measuring Pi Max and Pe Max and quantifying the pain intensity immediately before and after physiotherapy intervention. At the end of the treatment, those results demonstrated an increase in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures and a concomitant pain reduction. Physiotherapy intervention improved muscle strength, chest cage expansibility, and relieved pain in patients with spondylodiscitis.