What started as a routine hospital visit for knee pain turned into a medical mystery that left doctors speechless. A 65-year-old woman in South Korea went in expecting a diagnosis of arthritis — but when her X-ray appeared on the screen, the room fell silent. Her knee joint wasn’t just worn down from age; it was filled with dozens of tiny gold needles. The strange discovery sparked immediate questions about how they got there and why they had remained unnoticed for so long.
Doctors soon learned that the woman had been struggling with osteoarthritis for years, a condition that makes everyday movement painful as cartilage breaks down. Frustrated by the limits of conventional medicine, she had turned to acupuncture — a centuries-old therapy believed to ease pain and improve circulation. But instead of using temporary needles, her acupuncturist had inserted fine gold ones beneath the skin permanently, convinced they would provide lasting healing energy.
The shocking X-ray served as a cautionary reminder of how alternative treatments can sometimes go too far. Specialists warn that leaving any metal object inside the body can cause inflammation, infection, and complications during imaging procedures. While acupuncture, when performed properly, is generally considered safe, experts emphasize that permanent implants are not medically approved or supported by evidence.
Fortunately, the woman’s condition improved after proper medical care, and doctors were able to manage her inflammation. Her case has since been used to raise awareness among both patients and practitioners. It reminds us that while traditional medicine can offer valuable relief, it should always be approached with professional oversight — and that curiosity or trust in unverified methods can sometimes lead to unexpected, even dangerous, surprises.