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nently in place and provide relief for 15 years. isolated acupuncture needle seen in x-ray films or
Biopsy studies to confirm their true metallic na- in tissue biopsy studies is that the needle was un-
ture were not made. intentionally broken off by the therapist, who then
was unable to retrieve it. Although only one refer-
Discussion ence to such accidental breakage can be found in
Acupuncture needles may be left in the sub- the English language literature,2 the oriental litera-
cutaneous tissue for either of two reasons. First, ture contains multiple references to "broken nee-
they may be left intentionally as a form of "longer dles."1 3 The previously mentioned Japanese text
therapy," as was done in this case. We found no translates ". . . if the broken needle cannot be
reference to this practice in the English language removed, then even if left in place there will be
literature, but did find one Japanese text that had pain the first two or three days, but no harm.
a section translated to read "On Broken Nee- Eventually they have new reactive tissue grow
dles."' This source referred to a "new form" of around them in a foreign body reaction and form
treatment called "the broken or thrown out needle a lump."' A 1955 Chinese acupuncture text ex-
treatment." The author states that the needles are plains that "naturally, many broken needles have
inserted approximately 3 cm into the skin and been left in place since the old days, with no harm
broken off in place. This is usually done "around reported. They used to be more common when the
the hips where the muscle is thick," and report- older, more brittle iron needles were used. If the
edly works as a "stressor." Also, acupuncture patient would tense up his muscles the needles
needles occasionally are left inserted intact for an would break."3
extended period. In such instances the needles The choice of gold needles for the patient in
are usually taped to the skin to prevent them from the present case also raises the question of what
entering the tissue and moving subcutaneously. determines the material of the needle. Louis Moss4
The second and more likely explanation for an states that one can use any metal that produces