For a time, he was a clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, but was known for his work in the area of microfracture surgery, and for treating injured sports stars from around the world.

[4] Following internship, two years in the US Army, and residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans,[5] Steadman moved to Lake Tahoe, California, where he practiced orthopedics, with increasing emphasis on the treatment of knee disorders.

He popularized microfracture knee surgery, a technique used to repair cartilage by poking tiny holes near the defective area.

[9] The complexity of the knee and its critical importance to athletic performance persuaded Steadman to focus nearly exclusively on disorders and injuries to that joint.

"[2] Among the elite Olympian and professional athletes who went to Steadman’s clinic for procedures were: Ronaldo, Martina Navratilova, Lindsay Davenport, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, John Elway, Bruce Smith, Bode Miller and Picabo Street.