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China’s “folded man” Li Hua has a rare condition that left him with a severely deformed spine. The autoimmune condition, called ankylosing spondylitis, caused his bones to fuse and his spine to curve forwards. A series of complex surgeries in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen has allowed him to gradually regain the ability to walk with the aid of a frame after 28 years.


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China society

China’s ‘folded man’ overcomes autoimmune condition after life-changing surgery

News

China

People & Culture

China’s ‘folded man’ finds happiness and hope after life-changing surgery

Li Hua with his mother Tang Dongchen after the surgery. Photo: Handout

Li Hua is practicing calligraphy at home.. SCMP/ Alice Yan

Li Hua is brushing his teeth by himself.2. SCMP/ Alice Yan

Li Hua ate meal before the surgeries. Photo: Handout

Li Hua wearing a hat with his friends before he got sick. Photo: Handout

This is the first in a three-part series on Li Hua, who suffered with a rare condition for 28 years that left him with a severely deformed spine, his upper body folded onto his thighs. Everything changed after he underwent a series of operations last year.Â  SCMP Pictures (UNDATED HANDOUT)

Li Hua has been living with a rare autoimmune disease for decades that eventually left his upper body completely bent over. After seeing numerous doctors, he finally found a specialist who could help him.


How a mother’s love saw China’s ‘folded man’ through years of pain

Tang Dongchen has been at her son Li Hua’s side for decades, helping him cope with his autoimmune disease. Photo: Handout

Li Hua's mother is assisting him to get up from bed.. SCMP/ Alice Yan

Li Hua is practicing calligraphy at home.3. SCMP/ Alice Yan

Li Hua is walking towards the water tap to brush teeth.. SCMP/ Alice Yan

For two decades, Li Hua relied on his mother to get through the day and survive his autoimmune disease.


Doctors reveal surgical miracle which saved China’s ‘folded man’

After four surgeries and months of rehabilitation, “folded man” Li Hua is able to run a small stand selling tobacco and alcohol. Photo: Alice Yan

Li Hua tried to stand up after the surgeries. Photo: Handout

Li Hua was taking a physical examination at the Shenzhen hospital before the surgeries were done last year.. Photo: Shenzhen University General Hospital

Li Hua is practicing calligraphy at home. The girl in red is his niece while the man behind is his friend.. SCMP/ Alice Yan

Senior surgeon says deformity was so severe Li Hua would have died without the operations which straightened his spine.


‘Folded man’ stands up straight after 28 years following surgery that broke bones

A man suffered from a form of ankylosing spondylitis so severe that his upper body folded onto his thighs. After four operations in which his bones were literally broken and reconstructed, he finally stood straight – after 28 years.


Disease

Series

China’s ‘folded man’