A routine X-ray brought an unexpected discovery when doctors examined the knees of a 65-year-old woman with severe joint pain. Instead of typical signs of damage, they found hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded deep in her tissue, raising immediate concern.

The woman, from South Korea, had struggled with osteoarthritis for years. After conventional treatments like painkillers failed and caused stomach issues, she turned to acupuncture. In her case, the gold needles were intentionally left inside her body to provide continuous stimulation, a method sometimes used in alternative therapy.

Medical experts warn that this practice carries serious risks. Foreign objects can trigger inflammation, infection, or abscess formation as the body reacts defensively. Over time, fibrous tissue may form around the objects, potentially worsening discomfort rather than relieving it.

Additional dangers include interference with medical imaging and severe complications during MRI scans, where magnetic forces could shift the needles and damage internal structures. Although such treatments remain common in some countries, evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited, making this case a clear warning about the potential risks of extreme alternative therapies.