About

Stephen Duncan, MD, is a nationally recognized orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic hip and open hip surgery. He delivers leading-edge surgery for conditions such as hip impingement and labral tears. Duncan also has specialized training in open hip surgery, such as the periacetabular osteotomy, to treat conditions such as hip dysplasia.

Duncan has specialty training in adult hip and knee reconstruction. He performs anterior THA, MIS-posterior THA, and revision THA. He also performs UKA, TKA, and revision TKA. He currently works to help design and evaluate new implants in order to meet the demands of his patient population.

As the author of multiple publications in the fields of hip preservation and joint reconstruction, Duncan lectures and teaches courses for other surgeons around the country. He continues to give talks at national meetings and is actively involved in the research and development of new techniques involving the hip and knee. He is also engaged in health policy, traveling to Washington, D.C., throughout the year to enable orthopedic surgeons continue to be able to provide quality healthcare in today’s economy.

As an avid cyclist, Duncan also understands the importance of being active. He takes a patient-specific approach focused on reducing hospital-stay length and getting you back to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

Personal Statement

The thing I want patients to understand about hip and knee arthritis is knowing when you need to seek treatment. Pain lasting for more than 4-6 weeks is probably not going to respond to ibuprofen. There's different treatments depending on your age and what's exactly going on. I want to get to know you and figure out what's the best treatment for you, whether that's doing medication or physical therapy or surgery. Seeing patients from start to finish is important, that way you can have continuity of care so that you know exactly what's going on during their entire treatment process.

My core reason for going into medicine is to offer personalized treatment. I'm not a "operate first, meet you second" kind of doctor.

Faculty Rank

  • Associate Professor of Orthopaedics

Training & Education

Degree

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn.

Residency

University of Kentucky

Fellowship

Joint Preservation, Resurfacing and Replacement, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine

Insurance Information

Insurance policies can vary widely. Please check with your doctor/clinic for specific insurance information before your visit or procedure to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

See list of insurers

Patient Stories

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5
50 Reviews

The star rating is a calculation based on feedback from our patients using our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more about our survey process. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

  • Patient Review

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    Excellent communication skills. Very thorough!

    Patient Review

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    Dr. Duncan took his time with me, didn't make me feel rushed at all, listened to me and explained his answers in both words and images. He never makes me feel like just another number and doesn't pawn me off on someone less familiar with my condition.

    Patient Review

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    Dr duncan usually does well my husband is in terrible pain at nite 3weeks after surgery. He didn't check his knee just gave him sleeping pills that still aren't helping. Im at my wits end as how to find help for pain and my husbands knee dont know what or where to go to next who will address this pain

    Patient Review

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    Very positive experience with dr Duncan

    Patient Review

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    I and in the process of switching doctors.
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      Good
    • Patient Review

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      I have already recommended the facility
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      Dr. Duncan is exceptional in every way and because of his expertise as a surgeon I am able to again enjoy at 72 hiking, walking, working on my farm, swimming laps at the YMCA and being with my family and friends.
    • Patient Review

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      This is the first visit with this provider and don't feel he asked questions he should have and assumed things from 3 year old X-ray.
    • Patient Review

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      I recommend all the time.
    • Patient Review

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      Very knowledgeable and professional, Dr. Duncan answered my questions, examined my knee and hip and went over my X-rays with me
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      Would highly recommend them
    • Patient Review

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      While I was been examined, it felt like the doctor had other places to be, it was rather very hasty. I did not understand his explanations regarding what my case was. He said something about abdominal pain, but I told him the pain I felt was around my groin region. I am not sure how to do the connections, perhaps I am not a doctor to know but it was rather very quick examination given that I was referred to see him. The whole meeting took maybe less than 5 minutes. He also said that I was going to receive a call to see the surgeon but it has been past two weeks now and I have not received any such call. There was barely any after visit summary on MyChart for me to see and maybe understand things a little better. Like I said, it felt like he was in the middle of something else that is important and he and he had to hurry and get back to it.
    • Patient Review

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      Both the doc and his fellow were great
    • Patient Review

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      I was very impressed!!!
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Duncan provides excellent care. I always appreciate the explanations he provides.
    • Patient Review

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      UK Samaritan staff and facilities are top notch. Dr. Duncan and his crew are outstanding.
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      Great
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Duncan is the best!
    • Patient Review

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      Dr Kirk and Dr Duncan were very informative and helpful. Answered my questions completely. Highly recommend!
    • Patient Review

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      He answered all questions I had. He let me know what could be done . I was very happy with him
    • Patient Review

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      One of the best surgeon in Lexington, KY!
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      All good
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      No problems
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      I would recommend anyone to this staff
    • Patient Review

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      Duncan has a great manner in dealing with the challenges of patients who need help. We need tons more doctors like him.
    • Patient Review

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      I was extremely pleased with my interaction with Dr. Duncan. He was very easy to communicate with, and he provided clear answers to questions. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone in need of a hip replacement.
    • Patient Review

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      Excellent care and future helpful hints for L knee.
    • Patient Review

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      The appointment went very good
    • Patient Review

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      Go Dr.Good information
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      Good
    • Patient Review

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      Very helpful had everything ready to go
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Duncan is very much an asset to your establishment
    • Patient Review

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      I was really pleased to with my visit
    • Patient Review

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      Dr insisted what happened to me didn't happen and went against what I've been told by drs for years
    • Patient Review

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      We were very pleased with the way Dr. Duncan listened to and communicated with me and my family regarding our questions and concerns. He is friendly and approachable, in addition to being very knowledgable about his field.
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Duncan is an excellent doctor.
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Duncan is a surgeon who combines not only excellent surgical skills but also the Emotional Intelligence to put patients at ease and feel heard. Having had 14 surgeries over my 74 years , 9 of which have been at UK, I can tell you this is not always the case. He is efficient, never late, yet takes the time to answer all questions thoroughly and while staying seated; never with one hand on the door ready to leave the exam room as some docs do, I carry his cards with me because I get so many questions from friends and other acquaintances who need joint replacements but are fearful about getting them. I have the utmost confidence in and respect for Dr. S. T. Duncan. I hope and pray that UKHC does what it takes to keep him as my TKRs, done in 2007 and 2012, may need revisions if I live long enough!
    • Patient Review

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      The best
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      Great
    • Patient Review

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      This was one of the best medical encounters I've had in the University of Kentucky Medical system.
    • Patient Review

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      Extremely satisfied with Dr. Duncan.
    • Patient Review

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      I was very pleased at the care I received.
    • Patient Review

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      Dr Duncan answered every question I had. He gave me as much time as I needed.
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      He was to the point but no show of concern
    • Patient Review

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      I never feel rushed talking with Dr. Duncan as he always takes his time with me to answers any and all questions I have. He even takes time after to make sure I have no additional questions.
    • Patient Review

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      *Dr. Duncan is very knowledgeable of the hip and knee. He takes time to answer my questions. I had excellent results w/his plans for my hips.
    • Patient Review

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      Thorough, thoughtful, and personable.
    • Patient Review

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      Duncan and staff are superb
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Duncan was thorough, answered all my questions, discussed concerns with sincere interest. I'm grat