In House, M.D., which muscle was damaged by the infarction that caused House’s leg disability?

In House, M.D., an infarction damaged House’s right quadriceps muscle and caused his lasting leg disability.

The infarction occurred before the series begins. A blood clot cut off circulation to the muscle, producing severe tissue damage. House initially received an incorrect diagnosis and later underwent surgery that removed dead muscle, leaving him with chronic pain and a limp.

House uses a cane and takes pain medication, especially Vicodin, to manage the consequences. His disability is not merely a visual character detail; it affects his mobility, relationships, addiction storyline, and attitude toward medical treatment.

The injury is often described loosely as a leg injury, but the specific muscle is the right quadriceps. The quadriceps is the large muscle group at the front of the thigh, rather than a calf or hamstring muscle.