The Blink-182 drummer underwent a cubital tunnel release after weeks of numbness in his arm, hand and fingers. He expects to recover within a few weeks.
Barker discussed the procedure on Instagram on October 7 and posted a hospital photo with his wife, Kourtney Kardashian. He said the numbness began after a show last month and that a nerve test following a performance on Monday showed he needed surgery.
The musician said he chose to address the problem promptly so it would not interfere with his drumming. He expects to be well within a few weeks and joked that he did not know why Kardashian looked so happy in the photo.
A cubital tunnel release is performed to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve near the elbow. Orthopedist Rodrigo Nascimento told CNN Brasil that persistent or recurring numbness, weakness or changes in sensation warrant medical evaluation. Barker said his issue involved the ulnar nerve.