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Sang Hak Lee

Kyung Hee University · Medicine

About the Lab

Professor Sang Hak Lee's research lab specializes in orthopedic surgery and regenerative musculoskeletal medicine, with a primary focus on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, meniscal repair, and osteoarthritis management. The lab investigates innovative surgical techniques such as remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction and open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to enhance joint longevity and promote cartilage regeneration. Clinical and imaging-based studies, including MRI evaluation, are central to assessing graft remodeling, meniscal healing, and long-term outcomes in patients with knee injuries and degenerative changes. The lab emphasizes early intervention to prevent secondary joint damage and optimize patient recovery.

ACL reconstructionmeniscal repaircartilage regenerationhigh tibial osteotomyknee osteoarthritis

Research Overview

Papers
138
Total Citations
3,069
Papers (5y)
18
Primary Field
Medicine

Research Output Trend

Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.

Publications per year (5y)
18total
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Citations per year (5y)
78total
20222023202420252026

Selected Papers

15
1
Article|264 citations·2011
Longitudinal Tear of the Medial Meniscus Posterior Horn in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knee Significantly Influences Anterior Stability
Jin Hwan Ahn, Tae Soo Bae, Ki-Ser Kang, Soo Yong Kang, Sang Hak Lee
SJR Q1The American Journal of Sports Medicine

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn (MMPH) are commonly associated with a chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of the medial meniscus in terms of limiting the amount of anterior-posterior tibial translation in response to anterior tibial loads in ACL-deficient knees. HYPOTHESIS: An MMPH tear in an ACL-deficient knee increases the anterior-posterior tibial translation and rotatory instability. In additi

SurgeryMedicine
2
Article|140 citations·2015
Long‐Term Results of Arthroscopic Reshaping for Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscus in Children
Jin Hwan Ahn, Kang‐Il Kim, Joon Ho Wang, Jong Wook Jeon, Young Chu Cho, Sang Hak Lee
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term clinical and radiographic results of arthroscopic reshaping with or without peripheral meniscus repair for the treatment of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in children. METHODS: This study included 38 children (48 knees) who underwent arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus. The mean age at operation was 9.9 years (range, 4 to 15 years), and the mean follow-up period was 10.1 years (range, 8 to 14 years). Arthroscopic partial meniscecto

SurgeryMedicine
3
Article|124 citations·2010
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadrupled Hamstring Tendon Autografts
Jin Hwan Ahn, Sang Hak Lee, Sang Hee Choi, Tae Kang Lim
SJR Q1The American Journal of Sports Medicine

BACKGROUND: Recently, variations of the remnant bundle preservation technique, including selective bundle reconstruction and preservation of the anterior cruciate ligament tibial remnant, have produced good outcomes. The authors chose to investigate whether remnant bundle preservation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction would affect the remodeling process without inducing complications. HYPOTHESIS: An anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft can be augmented with a tensioned remn

SurgeryMedicine
4
Article|104 citations·2017
Change of Chondral Lesions and Predictive Factors After Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy With a Locked Plate System
Kang‐Il Kim, Minchul Seo, Sang Jun Song, Dae-Kyung Bae, Duk-Hyun Kim, Sang Hak Lee
SJR Q1The American Journal of Sports Medicine

BACKGROUND: Although cartilage regeneration after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) has been described, there is a paucity of reports regarding which factors influence cartilage regeneration. PURPOSE: To document whether cartilage regeneration occurs in the previously degenerated medial compartment of arthritic knees after medial open-wedge HTO without concomitant cartilage procedures and to assess which predictive factors influence regeneration after HTO. STUDY DESIGN: Case series;

SurgeryMedicine
5
Article|96 citations·2020
Analysis of Risk Factors for Ramp Lesions Associated With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Seong Hwan Kim, Hyun Je Seo, Dong Won Seo, Kang‐Il Kim, Sang Hak Lee
SJR Q1The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Background: The incidence of meniscocapsular junction tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn, known as ramp lesions, is reported to be 9.3% to 23.9%. However, these lesions are not consistently diagnosed with routine arthroscopic exploration and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose: To determine risk factors associated with ramp lesions in anterior cruciate ligament–injured knees. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 275 patients undergoing ant

SurgeryMedicine
6
Article|90 citations·2009
Increasing Incidence of Medial Meniscal Tears in Nonoperatively Treated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Insufficiency Patients Documented by Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies
Jae Chul Yoo, Jin Hwan Ahn, Sang Hak Lee, Young Cheol Yoon
SJR Q1The American Journal of Sports Medicine

BACKGROUND: No consensus has been reached with regard to the ideal timing of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of reducing secondary meniscal tears in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. HYPOTHESIS: Delay in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction increases the incidence and severity of medial meniscal tears. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Thirty-one patients were evaluated with arthroscopic all-inside suturing of medial meniscal tears with c

SurgeryMedicine
7
Article|80 citations·2007
Measurement of the graft angles for the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with transtibial technique using postoperative magnetic resonance imaging in comparative study
Jin Hwan Ahn, Sang Hak Lee, Jae Chul Yoo, Hae Chan Ha
SJR Q1Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy

The aims of this study were to quantify the angle and placement of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafted with a single incision ACL reconstruction technique using postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to compare the results with those with a native ACL. Between February 1996 and May 2004, 96 consecutive patients, who had undergone postoperative MRI of the knee followed by an arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction with either a hamstring tendon or bone-patellar tendon-bo

SurgeryMedicine
8
Article|59 citations·2018
Diagnostic Accuracy of Sequential Arthroscopic Approach for Ramp Lesions of the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus in Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knee
Seong Hwan Kim, Sang Hak Lee, Kang‐Il Kim, Jae Woo Yang
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery

PURPOSE: To document the diagnostic accuracy and steps for sequential arthroscopic exploration of ramp lesions-peripheral tear within 4 mm of meniscocapsular junction of medial meniscus-associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. METHODS: This was a prospective consecutive study of 195 primary ACL reconstructions with arthroscopic exploration for ramp lesion in 4 steps: (1) standard exploration through the anterolateral portal, (2) through the intercondylar space using a 30° arthros

SurgeryMedicine
9
Article|58 citations·2013
Arthroscopic repair of bucket‐handle tears of the lateral meniscus
Jin Hwan Ahn, Kang‐Il Kim, Joon Ho Wang, Bong Soo Kyung, Min Chul Seo, Sang Hak Lee
SJR Q1Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to document the clinical results of arthroscopic meniscus repair for treatment of displaced bucket-handle tears of the lateral meniscus. METHODS: From 2002 to 2010, 13 patients with symptomatic displaced bucket-handle tears of the lateral meniscus treated by arthroscopic meniscus repair were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were (1) displaced bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging, (2) non-discoid lateral

SurgeryMedicine
10
Article|56 citations·2012
Less blood loss under concomitant administration of tranexamic acid and indirect factor Xa inhibitor following total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Sang Hak Lee, Kye-Youl Cho, Sumit Khurana, Kang‐Il Kim
SJR Q1Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy

PURPOSE: The objective of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of simultaneous application of tranexamic acid and indirect factor Xa inhibitor following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Seventy-two primary osteoarthritis patients undergoing unilateral TKA using fondaparinux as a basic thromboprophylaxis were randomized to receive either placebo (36 patients) or tranexamic acid (36 patients). Prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in all pa

BiochemistryMedicine
11
Article|54 citations·2010
Bilateral Discoid Lateral Meniscus in Knees: Evaluation of the Contralateral Knee in Patients With Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscus
Jin Hwan Ahn, Sang Hak Lee, Jae Chul Yoo, Han-Jun Lee, Jae Sung Lee
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze, by use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the contralateral discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) status of 33 patients who underwent an operation for a symptomatic DLM. METHODS: This diagnostic study included 33 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for a unilaterally symptomatic DLM. All patients' contralateral knees were checked with simple radiographs and MRI scans. Knees were also evaluated through physical examinations and a clini

SurgeryMedicine
12
Article|52 citations·2010
Combined reconstruction for posterolateral rotatory instability with anterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee
Sang Hak Lee, Young Bok Jung, Ho Joong Jung, Kwang Sup Song, Young Bong Ko
SJR Q1Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy

If posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) injury in patients with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is not diagnosed and treated, ACL reconstruction can fail. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcome after reconstructions between 2002 and 2007 of both the ACL and the posterolateral corner (PLC) in 44 knees with combined ACL and PLC injuries. The median follow-up duration was 49 months (range, 24-68 months). ACL reconstruction employed autogenous hamstring grafts from the ipsil

SurgeryMedicine
13
Article|50 citations·2007
Arthroscopic Cystectomy for Popliteal Cysts Through the Posteromedial Cystic Portal
Jin Hwan Ahn, Jae Chul Yoo, Sang Hak Lee, Yong Seuk Lee
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery

In the treatment of patients with popliteal cysts (Baker's cysts), we generally need to address the intra-articular pathologies, most commonly, medial meniscal tears and concomitant connecting valvular mechanisms responsible for the formation and recurrence of the cyst. We introduce here an arthroscopic technique that can treat the associated intra-articular pathology and correct the valvular mechanism of the capsular fold. The most important step is to locate the opening connection between the

RheumatologyMedicine
14
Article|48 citations·2011
High tibial open wedge osteotomy below the tibial tubercle: clinical and radiographic results
Jong Sup Shim, Sang Hak Lee, Ho Joong Jung, Hyun Il Lee
SJR Q1Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of open wedge HTO below the tubercle for genu varum in relatively young patients. METHODS: Thirty-seven knees in 19 patients with genu varum treated by open wedge HTO below the tubercle between 2001 and 2008 were retrospectively studied. Median follow-up was 36 months (12-108), and median patient age at the time of surgery was 26 years (16-45). Clinical results were evaluated using Lysholm knee scores and Ho

SurgeryMedicine
15
Article|46 citations·2010
Arthroscopic Treatment of Popliteal Cysts: Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Results
Jin Hwan Ahn, Sang Hak Lee, Jae Chul Yoo, Moon Jong Chang, Yong Serk Park
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related SurgeryOA

PURPOSE: This study examined the functional and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of popliteal cysts with combined intra-articular pathologies that were treated arthroscopically by decompression and a cystectomy through an additional posteromedial cystic portal. METHODS: From January 2003 to March 2008, 31 patients were treated with a modified arthroscopic technique to decompress a popliteal cyst. The connecting valvular mechanism was found in all cases at the posteromedial compartment t

RheumatologyMedicine

Research Areas

SurgeryRheumatologyBiochemistryPhysiologyRadiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingRehabilitation

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