Can you imagine spending almost three and a half decades?
For most of us, the idea of ​​standing upright, lying down and resting, or even looking someone in the eye is commonplace. But what if these simple actions were impossible for 28 long years?
What if your body was so twisted that even basic tasks like eating or drinking became a painful challenge? For one man in China, this unimaginable reality was his life – until a pioneering medical intervention gave him a second chance.
A man in China has been given a new lease on life after undergoing complex spinal surgery that allowed him to stand upright, lie flat, and even look straight ahead for the first time in decades.
“Folding Man”
Li Hua, a 46-year-old man from central China’s Hunan province, has earned the nickname “Folding Man” due to his serious condition, which has caused his upper body to completely fold over his lower limbs. At 18, Hua was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis, but his family could not afford treatment. Over time, his condition worsened, he could not sit, lie down, or even eat and drink properly.
Despite his efforts to seek help, medical institutions in his home province deemed his condition too risky to treat, citing the dangers of surgery.
Life-changing surgery
Professor Tao Huiren, head of spinal surgery and orthopedics at Shenzhen University General Hospital, took up Hua’s case. Although he had previously treated patients with ankylosing spondylitis, none were as severe as Hu’s condition.
“Our approach involved breaking his bones in stages—the femur, cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, and lumbar vertebrae—and then carefully straightening his spine,” explained Dr. Tao. The surgery carried immense risks, with complications 20 to 30 times greater than standard spine surgery, including a significant risk of paralysis.
Remarkably, the procedure was successful. After 28 years, Hua can stand upright again, sit comfortably and lie down.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood and causes back pain and stiffness. Over time, the vertebrae can fuse together in a process called ankylosis, which limits mobility in the spine.
AS often begins in the sacroiliac joints, which connect the pelvis to the spine, and progresses up the spine. Other joints can also be affected, such as the shoulders, hips, or knees, and in severe cases, AS can affect the joints between the ribs and spine, limiting chest movement and making it difficult to breathe deeply. In addition, AS can occasionally affect the eyes and cause conditions such as iritis or uveitis.
What causes AS?
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis remains unclear, but the condition is relatively rare, affecting only 0.2-0.5% of the US population. It is thought to have a genetic component, with the HLA-B27 antigen being a key marker associated with AS.
HLA-B27 and AS
HLA-B27 is a type of protein found in white blood cells that plays a role in fighting infections. However, the presence of this antigen can sometimes lead to autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the most common autoimmune conditions associated with HLA-B27. A blood test can confirm whether someone carries this antigen and help diagnose AS.
Treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis
The primary goal of treating AS is to relieve pain and stiffness while preventing further spinal deformity. Early intervention offers the best chance of managing symptoms and minimizing permanent damage.
First line treatment
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually the first choice for treating AS. These medications reduce inflammation, ease joint pain, and improve mobility. However, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal side effects.
Advanced Medicine
If non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not provide relief, doctors may turn to biologic treatments such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers or interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors. These drugs target inflammation at the molecular level and help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many individuals with ankylosing spondylitis can manage their symptoms and maintain a better quality of life. Li Hua’s remarkable recovery serves as a testament to the advancement of medical science and the power of perseverance to overcome even the most challenging conditions.
Conclusion
Li Hua’s inspiring journey from “Folding Man” to standing upright again is a testament to the remarkable advances in medical science and the resilience of the human spirit. His story underscores the importance of innovative surgical techniques and the dedication of skilled doctors such as Professor Tao Huiren.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a challenging condition, but with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and medical intervention, symptoms can be managed and serious complications can be avoided. For those living with AS, Hua’s story offers hope and serves as a powerful reminder to seek medical care and explore all available options. His transformation is not only a triumph of medicine but also an example of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.