White suffered a compound fracture to a finger in an auto accident in his hometown of Detroit July 9, and it appears things aren’t healing as they should, prompting the cancellation of their shows until mid-September.

In an exclusive statement to Brit music rag NME, White said, “A bone in the index finger of my fretting hand was shattered in an automobile accident, making it absolutely impossible to play guitar, especially since I’ve been instructed by doctors that there is no way I can move my wrist until it is completely healed.

“The break did not heal properly and surgery had to be performed. Three screws were placed in my finger to set the bones and insure complete recovery – three screws that will remain in my hand for life.

“I have provided a link on The White Stripes’ Web site, whitestripes.com, to a film of the surgery on my finger for those admirers of the band with tickets to canceled shows to better understand the complexity of the situation.”

If that grosses you out, then stick around til September 13 when the band is scheduled to launch their U.S. tour. After a couple weeks Stateside, they head down to Australia and then over to Japan.

No further U.K. or European shows have been announced. White said the band is “currently doing our best to reschedule certain venues,” but they “simply have no time to make them all up.”

However, festival organizer Mean Fiddler is already looking ahead to next year’s Carling Weekend: Reading & Leeds Festivals and promising the White Stripes will top the bill.