Buddy Valastro Hand Injury: ‘Cake Boss’ Star Shares Recovery Update With Rachael Ray

“Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro is almost fully recovered one year after a gruesome hand injury that left the baker unsure whether he would be able to return to work.

On Monday, Valastro appeared on “The Rachael Ray Show” where he shared an update about his injury. “I’d say we’re about 95 (percent), which if that’s as good as it’s going to get Rachael, I’ll take it,” he said.

During the conversation, Valastro, 44, was seen decorating a three-tier cake and expressed his relief that he was able to return to work. “The fact that I’m still able to do what I love, it was amazing,” he said.

Valastro was injured in September 2020 following a machine malfunction at the bowling alley in his New Jersey home. At the time of the incident, his rep issued a statement explaining the accident.

“There was a malfunction with the bowling pinsetter, a common fix in the past, but it turned into a terrible accident,” the spokesperson said in a statement to People.

“After trying to release the bowling pin from the cage mechanism, his right hand became lodged and compressed inside the unit.”

The rep revealed the machine then pierced his hand repeatedly. “Unable to remove his hand, he can see a 1-1/2’ metal rod slowly and repeatedly impale his hand three times between his ring finger and middle finger,” the spokesperson revealed.

Following his injury, Valastro was well aware of the long road of recovery ahead of him. By April 2021, he underwent five surgeries on his hand and told Ray he was 75% recovered.

Although Valastro hasn’t fully recovered from his injury, he and Ray both agreed that 95% is still considered an advantage.

"Once you get over a certain age, 95% we’ll take it for anything — our memory, our body, our back — if we’re 95%, we’re good,” Ray said.

Valastro replied, “Amen.”