A 65-year-old woman in South Korea experienced a shocking medical discovery when doctors found hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded in her knee tissue during a routine X-ray. She had been suffering from chronic osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation due to cartilage breakdown.
After conventional treatments such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs failed to relieve her symptoms — and caused unpleasant side effects — she turned to acupuncture, a traditional therapy commonly practiced in many parts of Asia. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin to stimulate specific points for pain relief or other health benefits.
In this case, the needles were intentionally left in her body as part of a long-term treatment strategy. Some practitioners believe that leaving gold needles or threads in place can provide ongoing stimulation to the affected area. However, medical professionals warn that this approach carries significant risks.
Dr. Ali Guermazi, a radiology expert from Boston University not involved in the case, explained that the human body can react negatively to foreign objects. Inflammatory responses, tissue damage, and infections are potential complications. Additionally, the embedded needles can interfere with medical imaging, making diagnosis more difficult.
One of the most serious risks comes with MRI scans. The powerful magnetic forces used in MRIs can cause metal objects to move within the body, possibly leading to punctured blood vessels or other life-threatening injuries. This makes metal implants a critical concern for patients who may need future imaging.
While acupuncture remains popular in many countries for managing joint pain, particularly in Asia, medical professionals caution that such alternative treatments should be thoroughly researched. The woman’s case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, serves as a reminder that even traditional therapies can pose serious health risks when used in extreme or unconventional ways.