In House M.D., which part of Gregory House’s body was damaged by an infarction?

The story behind the answer

In House M.D., an infarction damaged Gregory House’s right thigh.

The infarction affected the quadriceps muscle in House’s right leg, causing severe pain and permanent muscle damage. He eventually underwent surgery that removed dead tissue, leaving him with a limp and dependence on a cane.

The injury occurred before the main events of the series and is central to House’s character. Chronic pain contributes to his reliance on the prescription painkiller Vicodin, while the visible limp serves as a recurring reminder of his physical vulnerability.

The show presents the infarction as a major explanation for House’s disability, but it also treats the medical history as part of a larger mystery involving his personality and choices. The affected area is often loosely described as his leg; the more specific answer is his right thigh.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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