In House M.D., what condition caused the muscle damage and chronic leg pain that Dr. House experiences?

A quadriceps muscle infarction caused the muscle damage and chronic leg pain experienced by Dr. House in House M.D.

House suffers an infarction in the quadriceps muscle of his right thigh. An infarction occurs when tissue dies because its blood supply is blocked or severely reduced. In House’s case, the damage leads to permanent impairment and severe chronic pain.

The condition is revealed through flashbacks and later explanations of his medical history. House initially receives treatment that includes surgery, but the damage leaves him with a limp and dependent on a cane.

The injury is central to the character rather than a minor biographical detail. It helps explain his pain, his use of Vicodin, and some of the anger and defensiveness that shape his relationships with patients and colleagues.