Incidental radiographic finding of the concealed art of susuk

Abstract

Susuk, or charm needles, are small, metallic needles inserted under the skin, considered to enhance beauty, health and luck. This hidden secret of inserting susuk is a traditional superstitious ritual, widely practiced among women of Southeast Asia. Here, we present an interesting case of incidental radiographic finding of the concealed art of susuk, which was exposed on a panoramic radiograph taken on a routine basis as a part of diagnostic work up at our centre. An orthopantomogram revealed bilateral metallic foreign bodies in the maxillo-facial region. Anamnestic data affirmed the practice of the body art of susuk. The charm needles were present in the orofacial region without the patient experiencing any pathological signs or symptoms.

Unexpected metallic foreign bodies on panoramic scans – a narrative review

“…Sogenannte Susuks oder Charmenadeln sind eine besondere Form der kulturellen Praxis in Südostasien, v. a. in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapur, Indonesien und Brunei [14][15][16]. Susuks sind dünne Metallstifte aus Silber, Gold oder deren Legierungen, die zwischen 5 und 10 mm lang sind und einen Durchmesser von etwa 0,5 mm aufweisen.…”

“…Susuks or charm needles are a special type of cultural practice in Southeast Asia, primarily in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei [14][15][16]. Susuks are thin metal pins made of silver, gold, or alloys thereof that are between 5 and 10 mm long and have a diameter of approximately 0.5 mm.…”

“…Einige Falldarstellungen stellen Panoramaschicht- aufnahmen mit einem oder mehreren Susuks und Charmenadeln vor [15][16][17]. Einig sind sich die Autoren, dass Susuks insofern verwirrend sein können, da sie nicht offenkundig sicht-und tastbar sind [14][15][16][17].…”

“…Some case reports include panoramic radiographs with one or more susuks and charm needles [15][16][17]. The authors agree that susuks can be confusing since they are not overtly visible and palpable [14][15][16][17].…”