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

4.86 out of 5
40 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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    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!

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    The best

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    Great

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

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    Extremely satisfied with Dr. Duncan.
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      I was very pleased at the care I received.
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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
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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.
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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.
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      Thorough, thoughtful, and personable.
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      Duncan and staff are superb
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      Dr. Duncan was thorough, answered all my questions, discussed concerns with sincere interest. I'm grat
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      Dr. Duncan is skillful, easy to talk to. I'm still amazed at what Dr. Duncan can accomplish with small incision!
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      I have recommended Dr. Duncan several times since my major surgery in 2019
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      My referring dtr did not send my test results in time so dtr Duncan could only discuss some things . We have got the necessary results and sent to to Duncan,s office and waiting for another appointment.
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      Greatest place and Dr for orthopedic things
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      I've seen many of UK's Ortho doctors. Dr Duncan is the best of them all, to be quite honest.
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      Dr Duncan is the best !! I will always refer anyone I know to him
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      Dr. Duncan is an exception physician! My knee replacement surgery in regard to preparation/for surgery including exercises, prescriptions and essential information was triple A. In addition, the hospital care by all involved after surgery and my stay was triple A. I thank all of the healthcare staff, at the UK orthopedic clinic there triple A care.
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      This group of Nurses, PA's and Doctors are top notch. I would never dream of even trying to go anywhere else
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      I chose Dr. Duncan for his reputation and he's superseded all expectations so far.
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      I first saw *Dr. Duncan in 2019. He is a wonderful physician and surgeon - He ALWAYS explained the problem before surgery and explained what he did in the post-surgery follow up. I trust him 110%.
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      Dr. Duncan has always been very caring and patient. His explanations always clear in people understanding.
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      Dr. Duncan is a wonderful Dr. He has addressed all my issues and I couldn't be more thankful he was my surgeon
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      Answer my questions and showed great concern
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      Dr Duncan does a great job of explaining procedures and listening to my concerns.
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      Dr. Duncan and his staff were very professional and really showed that they cared about me and my health.
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      Dr. Duncan is an amazing surgeon. I feel lucky to be his patient.
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      Always excellent professional care
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      This is my second visit with this physician. I felt that he gave me all of my options and reviewed the most conservative approach considering my age. Overall the experience went well and I would come to the clinic in the future if need be.
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      Physician was excellent. Staff kept getting mixed up on which joint I was see the Physican for.
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      I was doing a follow up after hip replacement and I didn't have further treatment plans to discuss.
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      I will definitely recommend Dr Duncan and his partners
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      Dr. Duncan provided excellent surgical care, encouraged questions and explained treatment options.
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      Dr. Duncan has been great ever since I became his patient. I never feel like my concerns go unnoticed or gets looked over. He does a very good job explaining in detail what is going on.
    • Patient Review

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      I was told I would only be seen by Dr. Duncan only. When I was in the exam room the first person I saw was a doctor in training. He was unaware of my reason for seeing Dr. Duncan. He asked me what brought me into to see Dr. Duncan today? He was unaware that an MRI and X-rays were loaded into the chart. I felt I didn't have much time with the actual doctor. He didn't listen to my concerns. He went by the diagnosis of the doctor in training.
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      Dr. Duncan is very kind and professional. Always willing to answer any questions
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      Dr. Duncan and his resident were both polite, friendly, and provided clear explanations of options including providing pictures of my xrays.
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      Dr Duncan and the Dr who came in right before him were both very patient and thorough and good.