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Ilhyun Ko

Yonsei University · Medicine

About the Lab

Professor Ilhyun Ko's research lab specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques for upper extremity disorders, with a focus on carpal tunnel syndrome, scaphoid nonunions, and de Quervain's tenosynovitis. The lab investigates arthroscopic and endoscopic approaches to improve clinical outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance patient-reported satisfaction. Key research directions include comparing arthroscopic versus open surgical methods in terms of union rates, functional recovery, and morphological nerve changes. The lab emphasizes evidence-based outcomes using validated scores such as DASH, VAS, MWS, and imaging assessments.

carpal tunnel syndromescaphoid nonunionarthroscopic surgeryminimally invasive surgeryupper extremity surgery

Research Overview

Papers
65
Total Citations
722
Papers (5y)
15
Primary Field
Medicine

Research Output Trend

Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.

Publications per year (5y)
15total
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Citations per year (5y)
35total
20212022202320242025

Selected Papers

15
1
Article|103 citations·2012
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Is Preferred Over Mini-open Despite Similar Outcome: A Randomized Trial
Ho Jung Kang, Il‐Hyun Koh, Tae Jin Lee, Yun‐Rak Choi
SJR Q1Clinical Orthopaedics and Related ResearchOA

BACKGROUND: The decision to perform endoscopic versus the mini-open carpal tunnel release technique is most likely left to surgeons rather than patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We hypothesized that (1) at 3 months after surgery, the subjective outcomes of endoscopic release, performed on one hand, and mini-incision release, performed on the other, would not differ in patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome; however, (2) each patient would likely prefer

Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingMedicine
2
Article|71 citations·2015
Is Arthroscopic Bone Graft and Fixation for Scaphoid Nonunions Effective?
Ho Jung Kang, Yong‐Min Chun, Il‐Hyun Koh, Jae Han Park, Yun‐Rak Choi
SJR Q1Clinical Orthopaedics and Related ResearchOA

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic management of scaphoid nonunions has been advanced as a less invasive technique that allows evaluation of associated intrinsic and extrinsic ligamentous injuries; however, few studies have documented the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunions and which intraarticular pathologies coexist with scaphoid nonunions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What are the outcomes of arthroscopic management of scaphoid nonunions as assessed by the proportion of patients ac

SurgeryMedicine
3
Article|56 citations·2018
Retrospective Comparative Outcomes Analysis of Arthroscopic Versus Open Bone Graft and Fixation for Unstable Scaphoid Nonunions
Won‐Taek Oh, Ho Jung Kang, Yong‐Min Chun, Il‐Hyun Koh, Yong-Jun Lee, Yun-Rak Choi
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related SurgeryOA

PURPOSE: To compare union rates and clinical and radiologic outcomes after arthroscopic and open bone grafting and internal fixation for unstable scaphoid nonunions. METHODS: Between March 2009 and November 2014, patients with unstable scaphoid nonunion underwent arthroscopic (group A) or open (group O) bone grafting and internal fixation. One senior surgeon alternatively performed either arthroscopic or open osteosynthesis for the same surgical indications. Visual analog scale score, grip stren

SurgeryMedicine
4
Article|44 citations·2013
Endoscopicversusopen release in patients with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Ho Jung Kang, Il‐Hyun Koh, Ji-Hun Jang, Yun-Rak Choi
SJR Q1The Bone & Joint JournalOA

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome and complications of endoscopic versus open release for the treatment of de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Patients with this condition were randomised to undergo either endoscopic (n = 27) or open release (n = 25). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were measured at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Scar satisfaction was measured using a VAS scale. The mean pain and DASH scores improved signific

SurgeryMedicine
5
Article|43 citations·2017
Morphologic change of nerve and symptom relief are similar after mini-incision and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a randomized trial
Won‐Taek Oh, Ho Jung Kang, Il‐Hyun Koh, Jinyoung Jang, Yun-Rak Choi
SJR Q2BMC Musculoskeletal DisordersOA

BACKGROUND: The symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be ameliorated by open and endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament. It is unknown whether a mini-incision or endoscopic carpal tunnel release more effectively reverses the pathological changes that are observed in the median nerve in patients with CTS and these morphologic changes correlates with the subjective outcomes after carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that (1) at 24 weeks after surgery, the subjective outcomes

Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingMedicine
6
Article|39 citations·2019
Platelet and white blood cell count are independently associated with sarcopenia: A nationwide population-based study
Hye Sun Lee, Il‐Hyun Koh, Hyung-Sik Kim, Yu‐Jin Kwon
SJR Q2Thrombosis ResearchOA
PhysiologyMedicine
7
Article|38 citations·2016
Comparative Outcome Analysis of Arthroscopic‐Assisted Versus Open Reduction and Fixation of Trans‐scaphoid Perilunate Fracture Dislocations
Won‐Taek Oh, Yun-Rak Choi, Ho-Jung Kang, Il‐Hyun Koh, Kyung-Han Lim
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related SurgeryOA

PURPOSE: To compare union rates and clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation with those of open reduction and fixation in patients with trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations. METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients with trans-scaphoid PLFDs who underwent arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation (group A) or open reduction and fixation (group O), and who were followed up for a minimum of 2 years between May 2005 and M

SurgeryMedicine
8
Article|35 citations·2017
Arthroscopic Wafer Procedure Versus Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy as a Surgical Treatment for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome
Won‐Taek Oh, Ho-Jung Kang, Yong‐Min Chun, Il‐Hyun Koh, Haemosu An, Yun-Rak Choi
SJR Q1Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related SurgeryOA

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and radiologic outcomes and complication rates of the arthroscopic wafer procedure (AWP) and ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). METHODS: From May 2009 to June 2014, 42 patients who were aged 45 years or older with idiopathic UIS underwent either the AWP or USO under the following identical surgical indications: (1) less than 4 mm of positive ulnar variance, (2) Palmer classification 2C or 2D lesion of the triangular fibroc

SurgeryMedicine
9
Article|26 citations·2020
Comparison of arthroscopy-assisted vs. open reduction and fixation of coronoid fractures of the ulna
Won‐Taek Oh, Woo Jung Sung, Jin-Chul Oh, Il‐Hyun Koh, Ho Jung Kang, Yun-Rak Choi
SJR Q1Journal of Shoulder and Elbow SurgeryOA
RehabilitationMedicine
10
Article|25 citations·2008
Trochanteric Advancement in Patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Does Not Improve Pain or Limp
Sun Young Joo, Ki Seok Lee, Il‐Hyun Koh, Hui Wan Park, Hyun Woo Kim
SJR Q1Clinical Orthopaedics and Related ResearchOA

Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

SurgeryMedicine
11
Article|24 citations·2016
Factors Influencing Outcomes after Ulnar Nerve Stability-Based Surgery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study
Ho Jung Kang, Won‐Taek Oh, Il‐Hyun Koh, Sungmin Kim, Yun‐Rak Choi
SJR Q2Yonsei Medical JournalOA

An ulnar nerve stability-based approach to surgery selection for cubital tunnel syndrome was effective based on 2-year follow-up data. Older age, worse preoperative grip strength, and worse two-point discrimination were associated with worse outcomes at 2 years.

Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingMedicine
12
Article|22 citations·2013
Coexisting Intraarticular Disorders Are Unrelated To Outcomes After Arthroscopic Resection of Dorsal Wrist Ganglions
Ho Jung Kang, Il‐Hyun Koh, Ji Sub Kim, Yun‐Rak Choi
SJR Q1Clinical Orthopaedics and Related ResearchOA

BACKGROUND: Dorsal wrist ganglions are one of the most frequently encountered problems of the wrist and often are associated with intraarticular disorders. However, it is unclear whether coexisting intraarticular disorders influence persistent pain or recurrence after arthroscopic resection of dorsal wrist ganglions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We investigated (1) which intraarticular disorders coexist with dorsal wrist ganglions and (2) whether they influenced pain, function, and recurrence after arthr

SurgeryMedicine
13
Article|22 citations·2013
Efficacy of Combined Osteotomy and Ulnar Nerve Transposition for Cubitus Valgus With Ulnar Nerve Palsy in Adults
Ho Jung Kang, Il‐Hyun Koh, Yu Chul Jeong, Tae‐Hwan Yoon, Yun‐Rak Choi
SJR Q1Clinical Orthopaedics and Related ResearchOA

BACKGROUND: Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is a common late complication of traumatic cubitus valgus deformity. Whether both problems can be corrected together, safely and effectively, in a single surgical procedure remains unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore reviewed a patient cohort having this combined surgery and compared preoperatively and at a minimum of 24 months postoperatively (1) active elbow ROM; (2) radiographic correction of the cubitus valgus deformity of the preoperative and postop

RehabilitationMedicine
14
Article|20 citations·2020
Association between platelet count and osteoarthritis in women older than 50 years
Yu‐Jin Kwon, Il‐Hyun Koh, Kwangho Chung, Yong‐Jae Lee, Hyung-Sik Kim
SJR Q1Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal DiseaseOA

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease involving inflammatory processes. Platelets play important roles in both hemostasis and the inflammatory response; however, the relationship between platelet count and OA is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the association between platelet count and knee and hip OA in Korean women. Methods: In this cross-sectional designed study, we included a total of 6011 women aged ⩾50 years from the 2010–2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Exam

RheumatologyMedicine
15
Article|18 citations·2015
Ulnar nerve stability-based surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome via a small incision: a comparison with classic anterior nerve transposition
Ho Jung Kang, Il‐Hyun Koh, Yong‐Min Chun, Won‐Taek Oh, Kwang-Ho Chung, Yun‐Rak Choi
SJR Q1Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and ResearchOA

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of ulnar nerve stability-based surgery via a small incision with those of classic anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. METHODS: From March 2008 to December 2013, 107 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome underwent simple decompression or anterior transposition via a small incision, according to an ulnar nerve stability-based decision based on an assessment of intraoperative ulnar nerve sta

Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingMedicine

Research Areas

SurgeryRadiology, Nuclear Medicine and ImagingRehabilitationOrthopedics and Sports MedicineEpidemiologyPhysiology

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