Becker's Spine Review

5 SPINE Dr. J. Richard Steadman dies at 85 By Carly Behm J. Richard Steadman, MD, who founded the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., died at age 85, the practice said Jan. 22. Dr. Steadman died in his sleep Jan. 20 in Vail, according to a news release. He founded the Steadman Clinic in 1990 and was chair emeritus. He was also co-chair of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute, which he founded in 1988. Dr. Steadman earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed an internship and residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. He also served in the U.S. Army for two years. During his career, Dr. Steadman developed several advanced knee procedures, including the "microfracture" and "healing response." His microfracture technique has been adapted to treat other joints, and the healing response procedure was designed to leverage the body's own healing potential. Dr. Steadman treated multiple professional athletes, Olympians and public figures. In some cases, he helped athletes who suffered potentially career-ending injuries return to their sports. e Steadman Sports Medicine Research Foundation, now called the Steadman Philippon Research Institute, is known for its clinical research database and study of orthopedic injuries. "Dr. Steadman was an incredible surgeon and leaves a remarkable legacy of innovation in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine," Marc Philippon, MD, managing partner of the Steadman Clinic and co-chair of SPRI, said in the release. "He knew the value of outcomes research and was a true pioneer not only in techniques, but also in the importance of science and the practice of evidence-based medicine. Steady was a champion for his patients, a kind and dedicated physician with a healing touch. He truly, deeply cared for every patient he met, and prioritized their outcomes." Dr. Steadman retired from active practice in 2014. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.n Dr. Bryan Kelly to lead Hospital for Special Surgery as CEO By Carly Behm B ryan Kelly, MD, will succeed Louis Shapiro as president and CEO of New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Kelly will be HSS' first surgeon CEO in the hospital's 160 years, according to a Jan. 27 news release. He assumed the president role immediately and will step in as CEO during a phased transition throughout 2023. Mr. Shaprio will remain CEO during the transition period. Dr. Kelly is a recognized leader in the field of hip preservation. He launched the hip preservation service at HSS in 2010, which is now the largest in the nation. In 2019, Dr. Kelly was named surgeon-in-chief and medical director. Mr. Shaprio was appointed as president and CEO in 2006. During his tenure, Mr. Shapiro grew HSS more than 300 percent and improved metrics across clinical patient experience, employ engagement, financial and market positioning. "I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve HSS and thank the Board of Trustees for their support," Mr. Shaprio said in the release. "Bryan's leadership abilities are innate. Supporting his transition is one of the many capstone achievements I look forward to in the coming year. Bryan is ready to lead HSS." n Orthopedic surgeon among 2 convicted in $31M Medicare fraud scheme By Carly Behm A n orthopedic surgeon was convicted for his role in a $31 million Medicare fraud scheme, the U.S. Justice Department said Jan. 30. Lawrence Alexander, MD, was convicted of false statements related to healthcare matters, according to a news release. Chiropractor Dean Zusmer was convicted of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud, conspiracy to pay kickbacks, paying kickbacks and submitting false statements. Mr. Zusmer owned one of four durable medical equipment companies that billed more than $31 million for medically unnecessary products to Medicare, the Justice Department said. Under the scheme, he and co- conspirators got patient referrals and signed physician orders for braces that weren't needed by paying kickbacks to marketers. Dr. Alexander owned one of those companies with Mr. Zusmer's co-conspirator, Jeremy Waxman, and concealed their roles in the scheme using a family member's name. Dr. Alexander and Mr. Zusmer are scheduled for sentencing on April 20. Mr. Waxman was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role. n

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