Gregory House commonly uses a cane in House M.D.
House walks with a cane because of lasting damage to his right leg. The injury resulted from an infarction in the quadriceps muscle, a condition that was discovered after doctors initially failed to recognize the seriousness of his symptoms. The damage causes chronic pain and contributes to House’s dependence on pain medication.
The cane became one of the character’s most recognizable visual details. It is not simply a prop: House uses it while moving through the hospital, and its design and handling sometimes reflect his mood or attitude. His limp and pain are central parts of his characterization and medical history.
A cane is different from a crutch or wheelchair. House can walk independently, although with difficulty and an altered gait. The series shows several variations of canes, but the general answer to the mobility aid he uses is a cane.