The “curved man” regains his movement after 28 years of spinal curvature

Chinese Li Hua, known as the “Folded Man”, is regaining control of his life after undergoing surgery in 2020 and a long rehabilitation process.

Lee suffers from an autoimmune disease called ankylosing spondylitis, which has caused him to lose his independence. He began experiencing symptoms of the rare disease at the age of 19, and before surgery, he was unable to stand, eat or walk properly.

In 2020, at the age of 46, the Chinese man underwent four procedures to fracture and rebuild his bones. He's still in the rehabilitation phase, but can now celebrate big progress.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, he said he had started sleeping on his back after more than 20 years of resting at night.

“I have been doing rehabilitation exercises at home for the past few months. I can now walk slowly using a walker, go to the sink, brush my teeth, and wash my face. I can hold a bowl and eat like everyone else sitting at the table,” Hua told me.

Sclerotic spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare condition. The disease can cause bones to fuse, causing the spine to bend forward. The problem also causes pain due to body stiffness.

Experts do not know the cause of the disease, but they believe it is linked to a genetic variant known as HLA-B27.

There is no cure, and treatment usually includes exercise to reduce pain and stiffness, as well as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

Surgery may be necessary in rare cases where there are severe spinal curvatures or significant joint damage.

In Li's case, he underwent surgery at Shenzhen University General Hospital, and underwent four procedures to fracture and rebuild his bones.

Doctor Tao Horen, who handled the case, likened the difficulties during the operations performed on the Chinese man to the mission of “climbing Mount Everest.” The patient considers Doctor Tao Horen his hero.

“The first time I saw my mother after the surgery, I suddenly realized how much she had aged while taking care of me all these years. She couldn't take care of me forever, so she wanted to treat this disease and ease her burden. For me, Professor Tao is my savior,” Lia Hua said. “There would be no cure for me without him.”

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