When a 65-year-old woman in South Korea visited the hospital for routine knee pain, she expected a familiar diagnosis: arthritis. Instead, her X-ray revealed a startling image—her knee joints were filled with tiny gold needles. The finding left doctors puzzled and opened a discussion about a lesser-known alternative treatment that had gone far beyond standard medical practice.
The woman had been living with osteoarthritis for years, a condition that causes joint stiffness and pain as cartilage gradually wears away. After traditional treatments and medication failed to provide relief, she turned to acupuncture, a popular therapy in many parts of Asia. However, her practitioner used a more unconventional method — leaving thin gold needles permanently inserted under the skin, believing they would offer lasting benefits.
While the intent was therapeutic, the results highlighted the risks of such procedures. Experts caution that leaving metal objects inside the body can trigger inflammation, infection, or interfere with diagnostic scans. In rare cases, they may even cause complications if a patient undergoes medical imaging like an MRI. Health professionals emphasize that while acupuncture can be helpful when performed correctly, permanent needle implants are not considered safe or evidence-based.
Doctors successfully treated the woman’s inflammation and used her case as an important teaching moment. It underscored the need for patients to seek licensed professionals and verify medical advice before pursuing any form of treatment. The story serves as a reminder that even long-practiced traditional remedies should always be approached with care, balance, and medical guidance.