Which of the following is not TRUE about osteomyelitis?
**Core Concept**
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, typically caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. The infection can be acute or chronic, and can lead to significant morbidity if not properly treated.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer will highlight a characteristic of osteomyelitis that is not true. Osteomyelitis is typically characterized by the presence of bone destruction, new bone formation, and the presence of a periosteal reaction on imaging studies. The infection can also lead to systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and malaise. In addition, osteomyelitis can be classified into different types based on the location and severity of the infection.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Osteomyelitis is typically caused by a viral infection, which is incorrect as bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus are the most common cause.
* **Option B:** Osteomyelitis can only be caused by hematogenous spread, which is incorrect as direct inoculation or contiguous spread can also occur.
* **Option C:** Osteomyelitis always requires surgical intervention, which is incorrect as many cases can be treated with antibiotics alone.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that osteomyelitis can have a wide range of presentations, and the diagnosis should be considered in any patient with unexplained bone pain or systemic symptoms.
**Correct Answer:** C.