In House M.D., what is the medical cause of Gregory House’s limp?

Gregory House’s limp is caused by an infarction in his quadriceps muscle. The muscle tissue in his right thigh lost its blood supply, causing severe damage and permanent pain.

House explains that the infarction occurred when a blood clot blocked circulation. Because the damage was not treated promptly, part of the muscle became necrotic. Surgeons removed the dead tissue, leaving House with reduced muscle function, a distinctive limp, and chronic pain. He later relies on a cane and prescription medication.

The injury is central to House’s characterization. It explains his physical limitations, his reliance on Vicodin, and some of his bitterness and impatience. The series gradually reveals the history through flashbacks and conversations, rather than presenting the complete explanation immediately.

The condition is often mistakenly described as a broken leg or a simple sports injury. Those explanations do not match the show’s backstory. House’s limp results from ischemic muscle damage, specifically a quadriceps infarction, followed by surgical removal of dead tissue.