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J. Richard Steadman, 85, Dies; Saved Knees of Countless Skiers

A renowned orthopedic surgeon, he developed innovative techniques for alpine Olympians. He also treated soccer, tennis and baseball stars.

The orthopedic surgeon J. Richard Steadman at his clinic in Vail, Colo., in 2009, surrounded by memorabilia donated by some of the many athletes he treated. Credit...Matthew Staver for The New York Times

J. Richard Steadman, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon who saved the knees — and careers — of hundreds of Olympic skiers, Premier League soccer players and even the occasional professional golfer, died on Friday at his home in Vail, Colo.