Doctors in South Korea discovered hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded in a 65-year-old woman’s knee during a routine X-ray. The patient, who suffered from chronic osteoarthritis, had turned to acupuncture after conventional treatments failed. Her practitioner intentionally left the gold needles under her skin, believing they would provide ongoing stimulation and pain relief—a method still practiced in some parts of Asia.

Medical professionals, however, warn that such techniques pose significant risks. The body can react to the needles as foreign objects, causing inflammation, infection, or tissue damage. Metal implants can also distort diagnostic images, making it harder to identify other medical issues. Experts emphasize that patients should be cautious with unverified or invasive forms of alternative therapy.

The woman’s case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, underscores the potential complications of long-term embedded needle treatments. It serves as a reminder that while traditional practices like acupuncture can offer benefits, they must be applied safely and supported by medical evidence to avoid serious health consequences.