blink-182 drummer Travis Barker is recovering after undergoing surgery to address severe nerve compression in his arm and hand.
The 50-year-old musician initially concerned fans on Tuesday, October 6, after posting hospital selfies wearing a surgical cap and gown without providing further context. On Wednesday, Barker took to his Instagram Story to clarify the situation, confirming he underwent a procedure to fix lingering nerve issues following a recent concert performance.
“I had surgery yesterday. My arm, hand and fingers have been numb since a show I played last month,” Barker shared with his followers. “I did a nerve test Monday after my show and turns out I needed a cubital tunnel release to fix the nerve.”
According to medical consensus, a cubital tunnel release is a surgical procedure designed to alleviate pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The condition frequently causes numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers, and in severe instances, muscle weakness across the hand.
Barker noted that addressing the injury immediately was essential to maintaining his high-energy performance style. “I wanted to get ahead of it and get it over with so that I can keep playing the way I play for a long long time,” he added. “Should be good in a few weeks.”
Along with the update, Barker posted a lighthearted hospital photo taken by his wife, Kourtney Kardashian, who could be seen smiling in the background.
“Not sure why my wife looks so happy about this,” Barker joked at the end of his statement.
With the procedure complete and a short recovery period ahead, Barker expects to be back behind the drumkit in short order.
