A 65-year-old woman in South Korea made a shocking discovery when doctors found hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded in her knee tissue during a routine X-ray. She had been struggling with chronic osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation due to cartilage breakdown.
After conventional treatments like painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs failed—and sometimes caused side effects—she turned to acupuncture, a traditional therapy widely 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 unusual case, the needles were intentionally left in her body as part of a long-term treatment plan. Some practitioners believe that leaving gold needles or threads in place can provide ongoing stimulation to the affected area. However, medical professionals warn this approach carries serious risks.
Dr. Ali Guermazi, a radiology expert at Boston University who was not involved in the case, explained that the body can react negatively to foreign objects. Potential complications include inflammation, tissue damage, infection, and interference with medical imaging.
One of the most serious dangers comes with MRI scans, where the magnetic forces can move metal objects inside the body, potentially puncturing blood vessels or causing other life-threatening injuries. This makes metal implants a significant concern for anyone who may need future imaging.
While acupuncture remains popular in many countries for joint pain management, particularly in Asia, medical professionals emphasize that alternative treatments should be carefully researched and monitored.
This woman’s case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is a stark reminder that even traditional therapies can pose serious health risks when used in extreme or unconventional ways.
About the Author
