Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy & Hip Preservation Surgery
Dr. James “Trey” Duckett III is a sports medicine and arthroscopy surgeon at Academy Orthopedics, treating shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow conditions through both open and minimally invasive techniques. He completed advanced fellowship training at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, under renowned sports medicine surgeon Dr. James Andrews, and holds specialized training in arthroscopic and mini-open surgery for non-arthritic hip disorders, a less commonly offered specialty in the North Atlanta area. Dr. Duckett has been recognized as a Top Doctor by both The Atlantan Magazine and Castle Connolly.
ABOUT DR. DUCKETT
Dr. Duckett specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and reconstruction, treating open and arthroscopic shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow disorders. Alongside his sports medicine training, he received focused, subspecialized training in arthroscopic and mini-open surgery for non-arthritic hip and knee disorders, giving him expertise in a niche area of orthopedic care that many general orthopedic practices don’t offer.
Dr. Duckett graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Honors College with a degree in Chemical Engineering before earning his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Florida, then went on to a one-year sports medicine fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, training under Dr. James Andrews, one of the most well-known names in sports medicine.
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Duckett now calls the Atlanta area home. He and his wife, Luckie, an Atlanta native, are raising two sons and a daughter, and he brings the same hands-on, family-oriented approach to treating patients at Academy Orthopedics.
ACCOLADES & ACHIEVEMENTS
Named Top Doctor by The Atlantan Magazine
Honored as a Top Doctor for three consecutive years by The Atlantan Magazine, part of the Modern Luxury network. This distinction is based on peer nominations, professional accomplishments, and demonstrated excellence in clinical care within the Atlanta medical community.
Named Top Orthopedic Doctor by Castle Connolly
Selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, an honor awarded to only 7% of licensed physicians in the United States. Castle Connolly’s physician-led research team conducts a rigorous, merit-based nomination process to identify doctors regarded as among the nation’s most outstanding healthcare providers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the difference between hip preservation surgery and hip replacement?
Hip preservation surgery repairs and restores the natural hip joint, treating problems like labral tears or impingement before arthritis develops, so patients can avoid or delay a hip replacement. It’s typically recommended for younger, active patients whose hip pain isn’t caused by arthritis.
What are common signs of a labral tear or hip impingement?
Deep groin pain, hip stiffness, a clicking or catching sensation during movement, and pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or activities like squatting are common signs of a labral tear or hip impingement, both non-arthritic hip conditions Dr. Duckett specializes in treating.
Is surgery always necessary for a sports injury, or does Dr. Duckett try non-surgical treatment first?
Not always. Many sports medicine injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment such as physical therapy, activity modification, or injections. Dr. Duckett typically explores these options before recommending surgery, reserving arthroscopic or open procedures for cases that need it.
How soon can I return to sports or exercise after arthroscopic surgery?
Recovery timelines vary by joint and procedure, but many patients return to light activity within a few weeks and full sport-specific activity within a few months. Dr. Duckett tailors return-to-play timelines to each patient’s injury, sport, and healing progress.
Does Dr. Duckett treat athletes specifically, or general orthopedic patients too?
Both. As a leading sports medicine doctor, Dr. Duckett treats active patients of all kinds, not only competitive or professional athletes. His sports medicine and arthroscopy focus allows him to treat anyone dealing with a joint injury, pain, or reconstruction need.
How is arthroscopic surgery different from traditional open orthopedic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems, which typically means less tissue disruption and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Dr. Duckett is trained in both approaches and recommends the option best suited to each patient’s specific condition.
Where does Dr. Duckett see patients?
Dr. Duckett sees patients at Academy Orthopedics’ Cumming, Buford, and Duluth, GA locations, serving Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Hall counties.
How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Duckett?
You can request an appointment by calling Academy Orthopedics’ scheduling line at 770-271-9857 or by requesting an appointment online.
The staff was efficient and friendly. They seemed eager to help. I was not left waiting.
Definitely recommend.
