For more than 30 years, Zhang Jianqiang could only see his feet while walking because of his severely curved spine.

But recently, the 46-year-old man from Southwest China's Chongqing was finally able to stand upright thanks to the relentless efforts of an orthopedist.

One day when Zhang was 11 years old, he began suffering pains in his legs and back. As the condition worsened, his back grew increasingly bent until his stomach and thighs were pressed together.

Zhang's spine eventually had a curvature of 180 degrees.

Because of his condition, Zhang was unable to live a normal life. He needed help when wearing clothes or taking a bath, and he couldn't have dinner with his family at the same table.

To cure the deformity, Zhang's foster father took him to many hospitals for 20 years. But they did not know what the disease was until they met Liang Yijian from the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu in 2011. Liang is famous for treating patients with curved spines.

Liang Yijian, left, talks with Zhang Jianqiang at his home in 2021. [People's Daily]

Zhang was diagnosed with advanced ankylosingspondylitis, a chronic disease that causes inflammation around the spinal vertebrae.

The treatment cost of over 400,000 yuan ($55,000) was an astronomical figure for the family. But Liang did not give up on his patient, telling Zhang: "When I raise enough money, I will treat your disease."

In the subsequent decade, Liang did his best to raise funds for Zhang's surgery. Using the royalties from his patents and donations, he finally raised enough money for the necessary operations.

In 2021, Liang brought Zhang to Chengdu, and subsequently performed five major and 10 minor procedures. After the last operation was successfully carried out on Oct 29, Zhang was finally able to walk upright for the first time in his life.

After the operations, he now stands at 149 centimeters tall. Before, he was only 90.

Zhang finally walks upright. [People's Daily]

The 58-year-old Liang is a pioneer in treating scoliosis in China.

Over the years, Liang has helped some 3,000 patients with severe scoliosis. Five had extremely curved spines like Zhang.

Liang said many of his patients are financially disadvantaged, but he has never given up on any of them.

"I don't reject patients because they have no money," he said.

"My goal is to work until I am 80, because for many patients who are desperate to live a normal life, I am their last hope."