Hidden Gold Discovered in Woman’s Knees After Routine X-Ray
Doctors in South Korea were stunned after a routine knee X-ray on a 65-year-old woman revealed hundreds of tiny gold needles embedded deep in her tissue. What began as a simple check for arthritis pain turned into one of the most unusual medical cases ever recorded.
The woman had suffered from chronic osteoarthritis for years — a condition that causes cartilage and bone to deteriorate, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. After standard medication failed to help and caused stomach side effects, she turned to acupuncture, a popular alternative therapy in Asia.
But unlike typical acupuncture treatments, where the needles are removed after each session, her practitioner left the gold needles inside her body — a practice some believe provides ongoing stimulation to relieve pain.
Medical experts, however, warn that this approach is highly dangerous. According to radiology specialists, leaving foreign objects under the skin can lead to inflammation, infection, abscesses, and even interfere with future medical imaging. In extreme cases, it could make procedures like MRI scans life-threatening, since the magnetic field might cause the metal fragments to shift or pierce internal tissue.
Despite the risks, gold thread acupuncture is still practiced in parts of Asia, especially for treating joint problems. Supporters claim it offers long-term relief, though scientific proof remains limited.
The woman’s case was recently detailed in a medical journal, serving as a powerful reminder that “natural” or traditional remedies can still carry serious medical consequences. Doctors urge patients to seek professional advice before trying experimental or alternative treatments — because sometimes, the cure can be more dangerous than the pain itself.
