A routine X-ray brought an unexpected discovery when doctors examined the knees of a 65-year-old woman suffering from severe joint pain. Instead of typical signs of age-related 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 and turned to alternative therapies after conventional painkillers caused stomach issues.
In her case, the gold needles were intentionally left inside her body to provide continuous stimulation—a method sometimes used in certain acupuncture practices. However, medical experts warn that this approach carries serious risks. Foreign objects left in the body can trigger inflammation, infection, or abscess formation as the body reacts defensively. Over time, fibrous tissue may form around the needles, potentially worsening discomfort rather than relieving it.
Additional dangers include interference with medical imaging and severe complications during MRI scans. The magnetic forces could shift the needles, causing them to move through tissue and damage internal structures. What was intended as a treatment could easily become a source of greater pain or even emergency surgery. Although such practices remain common in some regions, evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness is very limited.
This case serves as a clear warning about the potential risks of extreme alternative therapies. While acupuncture can be beneficial when performed correctly with proper needle removal, intentionally leaving foreign objects inside the body is dangerous. Doctors urge patients to discuss all treatments with medical professionals and to be cautious of practices that deviate from established safety guidelines.
