Jiang Yanchen, a 21-year-old from Shandong province, was born with a rare and devastating form of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease that can fuse the spine and joints over time. In his case, the disease progressed aggressively, forcing his back to curve into a 180-degree angle, leaving him almost completely folded onto himself.

At its worst, Jiang’s head and lower back were just inches apart, creating a posture that doctors described as resembling the shape of the letter “Z.” The deformity caused constant, agonizing pain and severely restricted his daily life. His lung capacity dropped to just 20% of that of a healthy person, making walking, eating, and even breathing a constant challenge. At school, he was often forced to either lie face down on his desk or kneel in order to participate in class.

Years Without Proper Treatment

Growing up in a region with limited medical resources, Jiang was unable to access the advanced care he desperately needed. For years, his family searched for solutions while he endured worsening pain and health complications. Despite the odds, Jiang remained determined to find a way to live a normal life.

A Medical Breakthrough

Everything changed in 2023 when Jiang’s case caught the attention of orthopedic surgeon Liang Yijian and his medical team. Over the span of two years, Jiang underwent four major spinal realignment surgeries, each one more complex and dangerous than the last. Surgeons carefully broke and reconstructed sections of his hips, chest, lumbar spine, and cervical vertebrae to gradually straighten his body.

The final and most critical operation took place in June. The procedure lasted an astonishing twelve hours, but when it was over, Jiang’s spine had been straightened by nearly 170 degrees. For the first time in years, he was able to lie flat on a hospital bed—a simple act that symbolized a monumental victory.

Standing Tall for the First Time

After two months of grueling physical therapy and rehabilitation, Jiang achieved something once thought impossible: he took his first steps while standing fully upright. The moment, captured on livestream, quickly spread online and left millions in awe.

Doctors hailed the procedure as “the world’s first successful 180-degree spinal orthopedic surgery,” a medical milestone that not only transformed Jiang’s life but also provided hope for other patients suffering from severe spinal deformities.

Dr. Liang praised Jiang’s perseverance, saying that his determination and tolerance for pain exceeded that of most people. Thanks to the operations, Jiang’s heart and lung functions were restored to normal, vastly improving his overall health and life expectancy.

“I Feel Reborn”

Reflecting on his recovery, Jiang shared: “All the pain is worth it when I see myself more like an ordinary person. I feel reborn.” With his body finally free from the crushing weight of his condition, Jiang is preparing to return to school this month and begin building the life that was once denied to him.

Global Admiration

When Jiang’s story was shared online, users across Reddit and other platforms quickly flooded the comments with support and admiration.

One wrote: “I can’t imagine the pain this guy went through before and after, especially during recovery. Mad respect.” Another added: “Modern medicine is magnificent despite a very loud minority trying to undermine it.” Others kept it simple but powerful: “It’s mind-blowing what we can do” and “Hell yeah, medical science.”

From being labeled the “Folded Boy” to standing tall and proud, Jiang’s journey is a powerful testament to human resilience, groundbreaking medical science, and the will to fight against impossible odds.