When a 65-year-old South Korean woman visited doctors for persistent knee pain, they expected a routine case of osteoarthritis. Instead, what they discovered shocked them—her knees contained dozens of small gold acupuncture needles, turning the case into what some described as a “gold mine.” The unusual finding quickly drew medical attention because it raised questions about alternative treatments and their long-term effects on the body.
The woman had been struggling with osteoarthritis, a condition where cartilage gradually breaks down, causing stiffness, swelling, and chronic pain that can make everyday movement difficult. Simple actions like walking, climbing stairs, or bending became increasingly painful. Standard medications offered limited relief and caused unwanted stomach side effects, leading her to explore alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and restore balance. In her case, tiny gold needles were placed around the knee and left embedded for continued stimulation. However, doctors warn that leaving foreign objects inside the body is not harmless. Experts note that such materials can trigger inflammation, infection, or abscess formation, and may even interfere with X-rays and other imaging tests. In some cases, they can also make MRI scans dangerous due to potential movement of metal inside tissue.
Although acupuncture remains popular in many countries and is used by millions worldwide, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. Still, many patients turn to it for chronic pain relief. For this woman, however, her treatment left behind an unexpected complication—dozens of embedded gold needles in her knees, serving as a striking reminder that alternative medicine can sometimes carry hidden risks.
