Objective To provide anatomical, radiological, and clinical diagnostic and therapeutic references for ankylosing spondylitis and spinal surgical operations. Methods  Non-measurement spinal observations, X-ray examinations, and measurements were performed on two spinal specimens, along with digital image acquisition and processing. Results  The first specimen included thoracic vertebra 7 (T7) to lumbar vertebra 3 (L3), with an average total length of 29.7 cm; the second specimen ranged from cervical vertebra 7 (C7) to lumbar vertebra 2 (L2), with an average total length of 38.3 cm. The specimens showed partial or complete calcification of ligaments, ossification of the small joints and intervertebral discs, and osteoporosis; The anterior-posterior diameter (width) of the vertebral foramen was narrower than that of a normal adult, while most of the superior-inferior diameter (height) was wider. Radiographically, the anterior longitudinal ligament calcification appeared as dot-like or striated, but it was actually flaky in the actual specimens. The specimens provided views of the facet joints, costovertebral joints, and intervertebral foramina that was difficult to demonstrate on two-dimensional X-ray images. Conclusion  As ankylosing spondylitis progresses, the range of motion in spinal bending and rotation decreases, as does the extent of thoracic expansion, thereby affecting respiration and complicating procedures such as intraspinal anesthesia and sacral canal injections. In terms of diagnosis, bone specimens and X-ray films allow us to understand the development process and severity of ankylosing spondylitis more directly and accurately.