The Shocking Truth Behind the “Gold” Found in Her Knees

For years, a 65-year-old woman in South Korea had been living with constant knee pain caused by gradual wear and tear in her joints. Standard painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications failed to bring relief and even led to stomach discomfort, prompting her to seek an alternative therapy in hopes of easing the pain.

What Doctors Noticed on the X-Ray

When her symptoms worsened, doctors ordered X-rays of both knees. The images revealed something unexpected: hundreds of thin, gold-colored threads scattered throughout the joints. The scans almost resembled a “gold mine”—not because of any treasure, but due to the large amount of metal visible in the tissue.

Where the Gold Threads Came From

The strands were not naturally occurring. They were remnants of a specialized acupuncture treatment in which small pieces of gold wire are intentionally left inside the body. The idea behind this method is that the embedded metal will provide continuous stimulation to the treated area. Some patients turn to this approach when conventional treatments fail to control chronic pain.

The New England Journal of Medicine

Possible Risks of Leaving Metal in the Body

Although intended to help, retaining metal fragments inside the body can create complications:

• The immune system may react to foreign material, causing inflammation, scar-like tissue, or other structural changes.
• Metal within joints can make X-rays harder to interpret and may interfere with additional imaging tests.
• In certain cases, embedded objects can shift position or irritate nearby tissues.

Because of these concerns, medical professionals often advise caution with treatments that involve leaving foreign materials inside the body.

A Lesson About Treatment Decisions

This case is more than a medical curiosity. It highlights how alternative therapies can sometimes complicate future diagnosis and care. What appears to be a long-lasting solution may carry unexpected consequences—especially when permanent materials are involved.

Key Takeaways

• Ongoing joint pain should always receive proper medical evaluation.
• Every treatment option, including potential risks and benefits, should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
• Some therapies can have long-term effects that influence future medical testing or treatment.

Her story is a powerful reminder that medical imaging can uncover surprising findings—and that staying informed and asking questions about treatment choices is important at any age.