Doctors Discover Hundreds of Gold Needles in Woman’s Knee

A 65-year-old woman in South Korea made headlines after doctors discovered hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded in her knee during a routine X-ray. She had long suffered from chronic osteoarthritis—a painful condition caused by cartilage breakdown leading to joint stiffness and inflammation.

After conventional treatments such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications failed to provide relief—and caused unwanted side effects—she turned to acupuncture, a traditional therapy widely practiced across Asia. Acupuncture typically involves inserting fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific points for pain relief. In this case, however, the practitioner intentionally left gold needles inside her tissue as part of a long-term treatment strategy. Some alternative healers believe these permanent implants provide continuous stimulation to affected areas.

Medical experts, however, warn that leaving foreign objects in the body can be dangerous. Dr. Ali Guermazi, a radiology specialist at Boston University, explained that retained metal can trigger inflammation, tissue damage, or infection. Moreover, metallic fragments can interfere with diagnostic imaging and complicate future medical procedures.

One of the most serious risks arises during MRI scans, where strong magnetic forces can cause metal objects to shift, potentially puncturing blood vessels or organs—posing life-threatening consequences.

While acupuncture remains popular for managing joint pain, professionals urge patients to research treatment methods carefully. The woman’s case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, underscores the importance of balancing traditional practices with modern medical safety standards.