A routine X-ray brought an unexpected discovery when doctors examined the knees of a 65-year-old woman with severe joint pain. Instead of a typical diagnosis, they found hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded deep within her tissue.

The woman, from South Korea, had long suffered from osteoarthritis, a condition that wears down cartilage and causes stiffness and swelling. After conventional treatments like painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs failed—and even led to stomach issues—she sought relief through acupuncture.

Acupuncture, a traditional therapy practiced widely across Asia, involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body to ease pain or treat illness. In her case, however, the gold needles had been intentionally left in place to provide ongoing stimulation to the affected joints.

Medical experts warn that such practices can carry serious risks. Foreign objects left in the body may trigger inflammation, infections, or abscesses. They can also interfere with imaging tests and pose significant danger during MRI scans, where magnetic forces could shift the metal and cause internal injury.

Although acupuncture remains popular in many countries, including South Korea, scientific evidence supporting techniques like gold needle implantation is limited. The woman’s case, documented in a medical journal, serves as a reminder that alternative treatments should be approached carefully, with a full understanding of their potential risks.