When doctors in South Korea reviewed the X-ray of a 65-year-old woman suffering from persistent knee pain, they expected to see signs of her diagnosed osteoarthritis, but instead, they discovered something unusual—hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded within her knees.
The woman, who had been battling joint pain for years, had turned to alternative treatment after conventional medications like pain relievers and anti-inflammatories failed to provide long-term relief and instead caused stomach irritation. Her choice led her to acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Asian medicine, where practitioners insert needles into specific points on the body with the belief that it stimulates energy flow and relieves pain. In her case, doctors reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that the acupuncture needles, believed to be made of gold, were intentionally left inside her tissue for continued stimulation, a method used in some regions of Asia to treat arthritis.
While this approach may sound intriguing, medical experts caution that leaving any foreign objects in the body can have dangerous consequences. Dr. Ali Guermazi, a professor of radiology at Boston University who was not involved in the case, explained that the body naturally reacts to foreign materials by triggering defense mechanisms, often starting with inflammation and the formation of fibrous tissue around the object. This reaction can cause swelling, abscesses, or infections that might complicate a patient’s condition rather than improve it. He also warned that these retained needles could interfere with medical imaging.
In X-rays, for instance, the presence of metallic objects might obscure parts of the anatomy, making it harder for doctors to properly assess a patient’s health. The risks don’t stop there—if someone with such needles in their body were to undergo an MRI scan, the powerful magnetic field could cause the needles to shift inside the tissue, potentially puncturing blood vessels or damaging nearby organs. Despite these warnings, acupuncture remains widely used around the world.
In fact, inserting small pieces of sterile gold thread around painful joints is a fairly common practice for treating arthritis in some Asian countries. Supporters claim the precious metal enhances the therapeutic effect and provides longer-lasting relief, though scientific evidence to support these claims remains weak. Numerous studies have attempted to assess acupuncture’s effectiveness, but results often point to a strong placebo effect rather than a proven medical benefit. Still, cultural traditions and personal testimonials keep the practice popular.
The case of the South Korean woman illustrates both the dedication people have to finding pain relief and the lengths they’re willing to go when conventional medicine feels inadequate.
Osteoarthritis, the condition she was diagnosed with, is a chronic disorder that causes the cartilage cushioning the joints to wear away, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. For many patients, living with this condition can be frustrating, and when standard medical options don’t provide enough relief, alternative therapies may feel like the only option left. In the United States, acupuncture has gained traction as well, though with less extreme methods. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, around 3.1 million American adults and 150,000 children underwent acupuncture treatments in 2007.
While the practice is generally considered safe when performed by trained professionals using sterile techniques, the American medical community remains cautious. Experts emphasize that acupuncture should not replace evidence-based treatments, especially in cases of serious conditions like osteoarthritis, where long-term joint health is at risk. Instead, it may be used as a complementary therapy alongside medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. The South Korean case highlights the importance of transparency between patients and doctors. When individuals undergo alternative treatments, especially those involving permanent foreign materials, it’s critical for healthcare providers to be aware so they can properly interpret scans and recommend safe medical procedures in the future.
Though the golden needles may have been intended to bring healing, they also brought hidden dangers that raised important questions about balancing tradition with modern medical science. This extraordinary case serves as a reminder that the search for relief, while deeply human, can sometimes lead down risky paths, and informed decisions are essential when choosing treatments for chronic pain.
