Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Vertebral plastic | from $7,000 | from $3,500 | from $4,500 |
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Director of Cardiovascular Center with extensive leadership in cardiology societies. Specializes in coronary artery disease and cardiovascular interventions.
Dr. Yang Young-Joon specializes in trauma and osteoporosis, bringing focused expertise to joint and bone health at Naeun Hospital.
Dr. Lee Kyung Hoon is an orthopedic specialist and department head. He treats degenerative arthritis and knee and hip disorders. He performs knee arthroscopy and arthroplasty. He also treats foot and ankle conditions, shoulder problems such as frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tears, osteoporosis, and fractures and other extremity injuries.
He earned his MD from The Catholic University of Korea. He completed his orthopedic residency at The Catholic Medical Center. He finished a fellowship and served as a clinical instructor at Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital.
He has served as department head at Nasarath International and Himchan General Hospital Incheon. He was also director at Himchan Hospital Incheon and Medrex Hospital. He is a full member of the Korean Orthopedic Association, the Korean Knee Society, the Korean Fracture Society, the Korean Hip Society, the Korean Arthroscopy Society, and the Catholic University Knee Research Society. He completed TPI training and a microsurgery workshop.
Dr. Jang Hyo Kim is an orthopedic surgeon focused on joint preservation and complex reconstruction. He specializes in arthroscopy of the shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist. He performs joint replacement of the shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, and hip. His spine work includes cervical and lumbar instrumentation and fusion. He also performs discectomy, laminectomy, neuroplasty, and vertebroplasty. His practice includes fracture care and muscle and ligament repair.
He is an Adjunct Professor at Kyung Hee University. He serves as Director of the Joint Center at Very Good Hospital. He previously served as chief or director at Yeonggwang General, Songjeong Sarang, Sewoori–Daejeon, Seoul Welfare, and The Barun hospitals. He was an advisory member of the Gwangju–Jeonnam Workers’ Compensation Board. He is a full member of the Korean Orthopaedic Association (KOA) and the Korean Societies of Arthroscopy, Knee, Sports Medicine, Hip, Pain, and Obesity. He holds TPI therapy certification. He completed an Ilizarov fellowship in Kurgan, Russia. He also completed training in shoulder arthroscopy.
Standard first-line medications for osteoporosis in South Korea include denosumab (Prolia), bisphosphonates, and romosozumab. Local specialists prioritize these based on fracture risk and reimbursement eligibility. Most protocols incorporate a DEXA bone density scan to confirm diagnosis before starting subcutaneous injections or oral therapies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While denosumab is the most frequent choice at major Seoul centers, clinicians like Dr. Lee Kyung Hoon at Na-Eun Hospital often combine these with advanced diagnostics. Data shows clinics like Leadheal Hospital serve over 44,000 patients annually, emphasizing tailored plans that integrate medicine with minimally invasive options like vertebroplasty if fractures occur.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that oral bisphosphonates require staying upright after dosing to avoid irritation, so many ask about injections like denosumab for better convenience. It is frequently suggested to confirm vitamin D and calcium levels alongside primary medication to ensure better bone absorption.
Korean doctors recommend a drug holiday for patients using bisphosphonates for 3 to 5 years. This planned pause allows bone turnover to reset while maintaining skeletal protection. Physicians at centers like Severance Hospital use bone density scans to determine if a patient is a safe candidate.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Korea's digital healthcare infrastructure allows for exceptionally precise monitoring during treatment pauses. Clinics like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital use advanced medical systems to track long-term bone data. This technology ensures patients on a drug holiday receive immediate alerts if their fracture risk changes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that a drug holiday is a strategic break to avoid rare jaw or femur issues. They emphasize that regular check-ups and continued vitamin D intake remain essential during the pause.
Teriparatide and Romosozumab are widely available at South Korea's leading medical centers. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) approved Romosozumab in 2019. Teriparatide remains a standard bone-forming treatment. Specialized orthopedic and endocrinology clinics in Seoul provide these anabolic injectable therapies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While these medications are accessible, some patients choose hospitals like Na-Eun Hospital or Leadheal Hospital because their orthopedic directors, such as Dr. Yang Young Joon or Dr. Lee Kyung Hoon, specialize specifically in osteoporosis management. This expertise is crucial since global data shows successful outcomes depend on the `sequencing` of these drugs with follow-up anti-resorptive treatments to maintain bone density gains.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while these advanced injections are common clinically, insurance often requires trying traditional pills first. Many emphasize that coordinate care through a specialist is necessary because treatment durations are strictly time-limited.
Traditional Korean medicine serves as a supportive complementary therapy for osteoporosis in South Korea. It focuses on pain management and microcirculation via acupuncture or herbal formulas. Patients must use these treatments alongside conventional care like bisphosphonates and DEXA scans to ensure bone density remains stable.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While traditional medicine is popular for wellness, South Korean hospitals emphasize integrated care. Leading centers like Asan Medical Center and Severance Hospital perform thousands of orthopedic procedures annually. Highly experienced specialists, such as Dr. Yang Young Joon at Na-Eun Hospital, provide a balanced approach by combining osteoporosis stabilization with advanced trauma care when necessary. This high volume of specialized cases ensures that traditional add-ons do not compromise evidence-based medical outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that traditional therapies are excellent for alleviating stiffness, but they warn against using herbs without checking for drug interactions. Most emphasize that physical comfort from acupuncture does not replace the need for regular bone density scans.
International tourists can access advanced osteoporosis care in South Korea through specialized orthopedic and endocrinology centers. Facilities like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital provide bone density scans (DEXA) and surgical interventions including vertebroplasty. Most centers offer English-language diagnostic reports for continuity of care abroad.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many search for medication, South Korea excels in surgical stabilization of osteoporosis-related damage. Leadheal Hospital alone treats over 44,000 patients annually using minimally invasive spine surgery. Patients should choose centers with JCI or KOIHA accreditation to ensure documented follow-up instructions for their local doctors.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing prior DEXA scans and medication records to avoid redundant testing. It is important to confirm if the clinic provides English-language instructions for post-travel care.
Foreign patients must provide a valid physical passport and recent DXA bone density scan results with T-scores and Z-scores. Korean hospitals require original imaging in DICOM format on a CD or USB. All medical summaries must be in English or Korean to avoid repeated diagnostic tests.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While general hospitals like Asan Medical Center handle 2.7 million outpatients annually, smaller specialized centers such as Leadheal Hospital offer highly tailored vertebroplasty plans. If you have experienced a fragility fracture, choosing a specialized joint center may reduce wait times for intervention. Doctors like Dr. Lee Kyung Hoon at Na-Eun Hospital specialize specifically in combined osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment, ensuring a more focused consultation than a general orthopedic unit.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital to bring original digital imaging files rather than just printed reports. Having a translated summary ensures the visit goes smoothly without language barriers causing delays in Care.