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 underwent surgery at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock on February 25, 1985, when his spine was measured at 72 degrees and deteriorating. After inserting a 16-inch metal rod into his spine, the curvature of his back was corrected to 38 degrees, within normal limits, and has remained stable since then. Later, while wearing a back support, he excelled in a high school district golf tournament for Arkadelphia High School.