J Hand Surg [Br]. 1990 Feb; 15(1): 111-2.

Foreign body in the median nerve: a complication of acupuncture.

Southworth SR, Hartwig RH.

Medical College of Ohio.

Fracture of an acupuncture needle resulted in a foreign body within the carpal tunnel of a patient who then developed median neuropathy. The needle fragment was recovered from within the median nerve during carpal tunnel release, with rapid post-operative relief of symptoms. Development of peripheral neuropathy is a potential complication of acupuncture.