A severely broken arm reveals a bizarre case of bone loss and ends the comeback plans of major league pitcher Hank Wiggen. House suspects Hank – with a history of drug abuse – is lying about using steroids, as his condition worsens. When Hank’s kidneys start to fail, his wife offers to donate hers, but she would have to abort her early pregnancy. Forced into an impossible solution, and admitting failure as an addict, Hank tries to take his own life. House and his team must isolate and fix the problem soon if this pitcher’s life, as well his career, can be saved.

original airdate--February 22,2005            rating--15.53 million

songs--Theme song--Teardrop by Massive Attack

• "You Better Stop" by Robert L Wyckoff
• "I Never Saw It Coming" by Windy Wagner

Final Diagnosis--Cadmium poisoning