When a 65-year-old woman in South Korea sought treatment for chronic knee pain, doctors were stunned by what appeared on her X-rays. Instead of finding a routine case of osteoarthritis, they discovered dozens of tiny gold acupuncture needles still embedded around both knees. She had turned to acupuncture after pain medications caused stomach problems, hoping the long-term treatment would ease her discomfort.
The gold needles had been intentionally left beneath her skin to provide continuous stimulation, a technique sometimes used in alternative medicine for arthritis. While acupuncture remains popular in many countries, experts warn that leaving foreign objects inside the body can lead to inflammation, infection, abscesses, or the formation of scar tissue. The body’s natural response is often to surround the objects with fibrous tissue rather than remove them.
Doctors also explained that retained needles can complicate future medical care. They may interfere with X-ray images by obscuring important anatomy, and they can create serious risks during MRI scans because metallic objects may shift and potentially damage nearby blood vessels or other tissues. Although acupuncture may help relieve pain for some people, scientific evidence supporting long-term benefits for many conditions remains limited.
The unusual case became a reminder that alternative treatments can sometimes leave unexpected consequences behind. While the woman’s knees literally contained what looked like a small “gold mine,” medical experts emphasize that anyone considering procedures involving permanent implants should understand the potential risks. Sometimes, a treatment meant to reduce pain can leave behind lasting complications that only become apparent years later.
