At Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, on February 25, 1985, the day of the surgery, Duke's spine was at 72 degrees and worsening. Once a 16-inch metal rod was attached to his spine, the curve of Duke's back was set at 38 degrees, within the range of normal, and that's where it has stayed ever since. Months later, back playing for Arkadelphia High School, he won medalist honors in a high school district golf tournament while wearing a back brace.
Duke's medical condition at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock on February 25, 1985, was that his spine was severely curved and worsening. Following the surgical correction of his back curvature by inserting a metal rod, his spine was stabilized at 38 degrees within normal limits, and has remained stable ever since. Later, while wearing a back support, he excelled in a high school district golf tournament for Arkadelphia High School.