
Sang Hun Lee, MD, PhD
Spine SurgeryOrthopedic Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- Korean
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Sang Hun Lee
Professional Titles
- Director, Complex Cervical Spine and Spine Tumor Surgery, Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Chief, Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Sang Hun Lee, M.D., Ph.D, is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with expertise in complex cervical spine (neck) and spine tumor surgery. Dr. Lee specializes in the latest orthopaedic and neurosurgical techniques in cervical spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine minimally invasive procedures, cervical spine deformities, cervical spinal reconstruction, and management of spinal tumors (primary and metastatic spine tumors).
Dr. Lee is also performing endoscopic spine surgeries, which is the most technically advanced minimally invasive spine surgery for cervical and lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis using uniportal or biportal endoscopic procedures.
Dr. Lee was a Full Professor and taught numerous residents and fellows in South Korea from 1999 to 2015, and he became a renowned cervical spine expert in the Asia-Pacific region. As a founding member of Korean and Asian Pacific Cervical Spine, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Spinal Tumor Research Societies, Dr. Lee has been a key speaker and thought leader at numerous international spine meetings. He has also been invited to visit and operate with leading spine surgeons in the U.S., Japan and around the world.
Dr. Lee regularly teaches other surgeons at national and international meetings on safety and efficiency when performing cervical spine surgery, the latest techniques in the field and strategies for complication avoidance. He has been on the faculty at the Cervical Spine Research Society meetings and the instructional courses.
Dr. Lee is an international expert on diagnosis, nonsurgical and surgical treatment of cervical spine conditions and spine tumors. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and articles on diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions. His work has resulted in numerous research awards and podium presentations.
Dr. Lee completed his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at the prestigious Kyung Hee University, School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency and spine fellowship at Kyung Hee University hospital in Seoul, one of the most prestigious programs in Asia. Dr. Lee also pursued advanced spinal tumor and neurosurgical oncology training at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where he worked with world-experts on complex spinal tumor reconstructive surgery.
Centers and Institutes
Videos
Selected Publications
Lee SH, Kim KT, Lee JH, Kang KC, Jang SJ, Hwang SP, Yoon KT. 540° Cervical realignment procedure for extensive cervical OPLL with kyphotic deformity. Spine 2016;41(24):1876-83
Lee SH, Park DH, Kim MH, Huh DS, Kang KC, Lee JH, Suk KS, Kim KT. Assessment of the C1 lateral mass screw trajectory and position using plain radiographs: A comparison with computed tomography. Clin Spine Surg. 2016;29(3):E112-9
Khuyagbaatar B, Kim K, Purevsuren T, Lee SH, Kim YH Biomechanical Effects on Cervical Spinal Cord and Nerve Root Following Laminoplasty for Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine: A Comparison Between Open-Door and Double-Door Laminoplasty Using Finite Element Analysis. J Biomech Eng. 2018 Jul 1;140(7). doi: 10.1115/1.4039826.
Tauchi R, Lee SH, Kim JY, Kim YC, Peters C, Imagama S, Ishiguro N, Buchowski J, Riew KD. Postoperative severe headache following cervical posterior surgical fixation from C2 distally. Asian Spine J 2016;10(4):728-33
Tauchi R, Lee SH, Peters C, Imagama S, Ishiguro N, Riew KD. Cervical myeloradiculopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with versus without diffuse idiopathic spinal hyperostosis. Global Spine J. 2016;6(4):350-6
Memberships
- North American Spine Society
- Cervical Spine Research Society
- Korean Society of Bone and Soft Tissue Transplantation
- Pacific-Asian Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Korean Society of Spine Surgery
Locations
- Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Suite 5009, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 410-614-1451
- Charter Professional Center
- 10700 Charter Drive, Suite 205, Columbia, MD 21044
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 443-546-1576
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2100, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 443-769-1281
- Johns Hopkins Health Care Center - Odenton
- 1106 Annapolis Road, Pavilion I, Suite 280, Odenton, MD 21113
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 410-367-2071
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 2200, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Get Directions
- phone: 301-530-3220
- fax: 410-367-2237
- JH Health Care & Surgery Center – White Marsh
- 4924 Campbell Boulevard, Suite 130, Nottingham, MD 21236
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 443-442-2089
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Spinal Surgery, 2018
- Graduate School: Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, PhD, 2006
- Fellowship: Kyunghee University Medical Center, Spinal Surgery, 2002
- Residency: Kyunghee University Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1999
- Medical Education: Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, MD, 1994
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
223 ratings, 83 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
It was my first meeting. Like the previous Orthopedist, he analyzed my problem and reminded me that he was a surgeon and ultimately I would need one.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Dr. Sang Lee is one of the most caring and sensitive physicians I have ever experienced. He is a credit to the Johns Hopkins reputation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
After meeting Dr Lee I have complete confidence in him to provide the care I need
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
Very satisfied with Dr Sang Lee. Very thorough.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
My provider is knowledgeable and listens to what I say. He took very good care of me during and after my surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Great service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dr. Lee is Awesome and an Amazing Surgeon, he has helped me several times
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dr. Lee is amazing. I trust him wholeheartedly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Dr. Lee is wonderful. He has performed two back surgeries for me within a year and I would highly recommend him. I have always had quick responses when I've had to reach out to him and he's always listens.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Dr. Lee and his associate were knowledgeable, professional and very courteous.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
Patience with me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
The provider offered clarity for my medical issue and options for care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Dr Sang Lee is an extraordinary physician. He was able to accurately diagnose my problem and explained treatment options. I feel very fortunate to be seen by him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
Dr. Lee is an excellent physician and surgeon. I would go back to see him in an instant if I needed more surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
He clearly remembered past visits.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Dr Lee performed surgery on my back using a technique in which he is a foremost expert and that is rarely performed by other Orthopedic Surgeons in the US. His demeanor, bedside manners and expertise are outstanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Dr Lee was wonderful. He explained all the info, answered all my questions and took enough time with me for me to understand my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Might be best in the field. Amazing understanding of the information.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Performed cervical surgery on me in 2020 with outstanding results. I trust Dr. Lee's expertise without question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
He was kind, patient, thorough and explained everything to me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Very attentive, listened to me and addressed concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Dr Lee sets the standard by which others should be judged. He is a BRILLIANT surgeon who not only fixed my compressed sciatica, he gave me my life back!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Dr.Lee is a true professional. He is very highly thought of. Has been a big help for me and my back.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Excellent experiment with Dr. Lee.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Dr. Lee has provided care to both myself and my husband. He is very proficient and skilled. We place our trust in his diagnoses and surgeries.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Dr Lee navigated questions from me and my spouse very diplomatically.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr. Lee is great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Provider was knowledgeable and explained my illness in a way I now understand
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
I am an experimental physicist. This Is not theory I understand there are a lot of uncertainties in real scenario. Likewise or more than that, there will be huge uncertainties relying on patients during operation and from post-op outcomes. Dr. Sang Hun Lee and the pre-op team explained every possibility with excellent clarification. Everything makes sense to me. That makes me more comfortable and ready for operation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Dr. Lee is one of the most outstanding experts in his field. He shows empathy and is fully open and clear about treatment options and expectations
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr Lee went over the results of the June 19th surgery and pointed out what he had removed from my spine (T2 thru T6). I asked how long the numbness around the surgery area would last and he did not have a definitive answer. He asked about ""trigger point injections"" for the pain in the upper right side of my back and I told him I was doing PT and dry needling first! Next appointment set for Dec 2026! He didn't discuss the reasons for the X-rays that day, but I was given a CD of the X-rays
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr Lee is the best doctor I have received service from here or anyplace else. He operated on me three years ago and the outcome was fine.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
I had him before and I trust him with my health issueshe
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Dr. Sang Lee is a good provider. He was very efficient, and he made sure I understood everything he was saying.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Dr Sang Lee is the best doctor ever!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
The provider in question was very knowledgeable and provided me with the the information I needed to resolve my health issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
I have seen Dr. Lee on several occasions in the last 11 months concerning my back issues and I think he's great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
He is greate,because listened to me and was kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
He gave great service. He is great!!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2025
Very good appointment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
The Best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr Lee was kind, respectful and answered my questions. He is very soft spoken.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2025
Very care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2025
Dr Lee is a legend He personally called me to update my diagnosis
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Very caring doctor. He is genuinely concerned about my issues and will follow up to be sure I will not need additional care. I feel very lucky to have him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr. Lee has been great to deal with so far. Definitely recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
Thorough pleasant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
Dr. Sang Hun Lee is an excellent orthopedic surgeon.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Excellent doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Excellent! Pleasant, Informative, and Helpful!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Lee explained my condition and provided next step treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Lee is extremely respectful and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2025
Dr sang Lee did a good job providing options for me.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Provider never introduced himself. He did not understand some of my questions and I had to rephrase them. Gave general comments about surgery without much detail. I had to ask for more specifics.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Dr. Lee was prompt, thorough, and caring. I came for a second opinion on cervical disc surgery and he spent time with me answering all my questions. I got the impression that he was more concerned about helping me make the right decision for myself than by pushing me toward a particular surgical option. I followed up with an MRI ordered from a different provider and Dr. Lee gave me a call to walk me through the MRI (even before the ordering provider did). Deeply grateful for Dr. Lee's insight, support, and patient-centered approach.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Dr. Lee is excellent. He is so patient , and explains and shows everything.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
Very professional, took the time to explain the outcome of my procedure and what to expect going forward.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
Dr Lee is a kind, soft spoken, compassionate doctor. He listens closely and addresses all questions. I never feel rushed. I'm grateful that he is such a skilled surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
He is the best
- 1 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Dr. Lee was dismissive when I discussed my concerns and symptoms. He rushed the visit and did not take the time to adress my concerns. I was disappointed because I specifically chose him based on the online reviews.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2025
Dr. Lee is an excellent orthopedic surgeon and very easy to engage in discussion. I have had two surgeries, and both turned out well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2025
Dr Lee listened to my issue with my right thigh and leg which are still agitated due to sciatica issues 4/3/2019
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Doctor listened carefully to my concerns and showed professional empathy. Furthermore, he was able to quickly identify the potential issue that other surgeons simply missed! Dr. Lee is an exceptionally talented doctor and surgeon. I feel very fortunate to have had his time and care. And wish I had selected him for my two fusion surgeries earlier! He is truly wonderful!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
This provider is a surgeon who did my surgery and did a great job of correcting my issue. I am very grateful for the work he did and I thank him for providing me with great care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Outstanding surgeon and human being
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
He asked the right questions about my problem and tested clinical signs
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
I was very impressed with how Dr. Lee listened to me, as well as explaining everything clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
I had been in severe pain for 10 months abs Dr. Lee was recommended to help me. He saw me quickly and was able to get my surgery scheduled quickly. I am now pain free and truly appreciate all his help. He is one doctor I completely trust with my spinal issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/30/2025
He is far best
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Told to come 1/2 hour before apt time, not sure why u had or checked in and filled out all forms online. Waited over 1 hour to be seen. I will never come1/2 hour early again. This has happened last 3 visits
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2025
Dr Lee is a remarkable surgeon who I trust implicitly. He is kind, clear and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Great doctor!!!!!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Regard Dr. Lee's recommendation to be seen by a neurologist and a referral for a CT scan prescription be conducted by Columbia Radiologists ASAP.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Very knowledgable, but seemed to be In a hurry
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2025
Dr Lee is excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Dr. Lee is an excellent provider, patient and explains well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Excellent diagnostician with careful assessment and very informative discussion of treatment alternatives.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
He was very patient explained the whole procedure
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Dr. Lee is one of the best providers I have met. He completed a 3 hour surgery on me and his follow up as been outstanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
Everything went well a great visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
Great!