China ‘folded boy’ stands up straight for first time after surgeries to break, reset bones

Despite significant physical challenges, Jiang remains unwavering; he completes high school entrance exam while lying on a yoga mat

A university student, known as China’s “folded boy” due to his spinal condition, has inspired countless people online after undergoing a series of complex surgeries and achieving the remarkable milestone of straightening his body and lying flat in bed for the first time in his life.

Jiang Yanchen, 21, hailing from Shandong province in northern China, has fought against ankylosing spondylitis – a form of arthritis causing severe inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine – since his primary school years.

This rare condition left his neck bent backward, creating barely a hand’s width between his head and buttocks, reducing his height to just one metre.

Jiang Yanchen, 21, has battled a form of arthritis that causes severe inflammation in the joints and ligaments of his spine since his primary school years.

His mother, Yu Meiying, recalled their daily challenges: “His head was facing up; he could barely see when putting on socks or pants, and had to rely on touch.”

Despite these overwhelming physical obstacles, Jiang never wavered in his determination. In 2022, he completed his high school entrance exam while lying on a yoga mat and was accepted into Dezhou University, majoring in Energy and Power Engineering.

In August last year, Jiang sought treatment from Liang Yijian, a leading expert in severe spinal correction based in Chengdu. Over the following months, he underwent a series of gruelling surgeries.

On June 25, after enduring four exceptionally complex procedures – including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar osteotomies, along with hip joint release surgery – during which his bones were broken and realigned, Jiang’s condition finally improved.

For the first time in his life, his body could be fully straightened, allowing him to lie flat.

“Jiang underwent a total of four surgeries, each extremely complex – technically, they were at the upper limits of surgical difficulty. The final surgery lasted over 12 hours, and his spine was corrected by around 170 degrees. Once he completes rehabilitation, he’ll be able to return home,” Liang explained.

A trending video online showed the doctor kneeling while performing surgery on Jiang during the procedure.

Liang later shared with Jimu News that Jiang initially lay in a prone position during the operation, but it became necessary to shift him to a supine position at one point. Kneeling allowed Liang to better assist with the adjustment.

“Liang is like our lifeline, our last hope. Our child’s dream has finally come true. He can now lie flat,” Jiang’s mother said.

A video of the procedures went viral online, showcasing the moment when the doctor knelt while performing surgery on Jiang.

Reflecting on his future, Jiang expressed a strong desire to give back to society, stating: “If I get better in the future, I can be a capable person and maybe contribute something to society.”

He added: “I got into college on my knees. Next, I aim to stand tall and pursue graduate school.”

Jiang’s story has profoundly touched the hearts of Chinese netizens, many of whom have offered strong support and heartfelt wishes for his future.

One person commented: “He is a true testament that with determination, anything is possible. We eagerly await his postgraduate success!”

Another added: “An incredible doctor and an incredible young man. The twists and turns in his life have been straightened – what lies ahead of him is a clear path forward.”