A 65-year-old woman in South Korea went to the doctor for severe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, but her X-ray revealed something shocking — hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded in her knee tissue. When regular medications caused side effects, she had turned to acupuncture, a popular alternative treatment. In her case, the needles were intentionally left inside her body as part of a therapy meant to provide constant stimulation.

While acupuncture is widely practiced across Asia and even in parts of the U.S., experts warn that leaving foreign objects in the body can be dangerous. Radiology specialist Dr. Ali Guermazi explained that metal fragments can trigger inflammation, infection, and the growth of fibrous tissue. They can also interfere with medical imaging, and patients with metal inside their bodies must avoid MRIs, since magnetic forces could cause the needles to shift and damage organs or blood vessels.

Gold thread implants and permanent needle placements are still considered routine in some countries for treating arthritis, but scientific proof of their effectiveness is limited. Despite this, millions of people continue to try acupuncture when traditional treatments fail or cause side effects. The woman’s case was significant enough to be documented in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Her X-ray now serves as a cautionary example of the risks associated with extreme or unconventional therapies. Doctors emphasize the importance of understanding potential complications before trying alternative treatments, because even something that seems harmless can lead to serious, unexpected consequences.