Orthopedic Surgeon Alexander McLawhorn Named 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor for Specialized Joint Replacement Techniques

Dr. Alexander McLawhorn has been selected as a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his first time receiving this designation that places him among an elite group of physicians. Only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are chosen annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for their specialties within their regions. Dr. McLawhorn practices as an orthopedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery, an institution nationally recognized as a Gold Standard Top Hospital for hip and knee replacement surgery. With offices and surgical facilities in both New York City and Stamford, he provides specialized care to patients throughout the tri-state area.

His clinical expertise centers on direct anterior total hip replacement, particularly the integration of the bikini incision anterior approach with robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty. This technique avoids cutting through major muscles, offering significant patient benefits. The bikini incision follows the natural inguinal skin crease, providing a cosmetically appealing, low-profile scar. This method is designed to facilitate faster functional recovery, reduce postoperative pain, and lower the risk of dislocation. As one of the most experienced surgeons in the country, Dr. McLawhorn performs over 600 joint replacements and more than 400 robotic hip surgeries annually.

His surgical repertoire also includes robotic and computer-assisted hip replacement, hip resurfacing, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive total knee replacement, and rapid-recovery joint replacement. The integration of robotic technology provides measurable advantages in surgical precision. When combined with robotic assistance, surgeons can achieve precise and accurate implant positioning and leg length restoration, optimizing hip biomechanics and joint stability. This precision lowers the risk of dislocation and leg length discrepancy—two of the most common concerns after hip replacement.

Dr. McLawhorn's medical education includes a Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, followed by an orthopedic surgery residency and fellowship in adult reconstruction and joint replacement at Hospital for Special Surgery. Beyond his clinical practice, he serves as an Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and as the Director of Research and Innovation for Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement at HSS. He maintains board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and holds fellowship status with both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

The Castle Connolly Top Doctor selection process involves peer physician nominations followed by review by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at https://www.castleconnolly.com and through various print and online partner publications. Selection criteria include medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories, with no financial payment required or accepted for inclusion in the Top Doctors list. This recognition matters because it validates the advanced surgical techniques that are improving patient outcomes in joint replacement surgery, particularly through the integration of robotic technology and minimally invasive approaches that reduce recovery time and complications.

The implications of this announcement extend beyond individual recognition to highlight the growing importance of specialized surgical expertise in orthopedic care. As joint replacement procedures become more common with an aging population, the precision offered by robotic-assisted techniques represents a significant advancement in patient care. Dr. McLawhorn's work with the bikini incision anterior approach demonstrates how cosmetic considerations are being integrated with functional outcomes in orthopedic surgery. Furthermore, his dual roles in clinical practice and academic research suggest that innovations developed at institutions like Hospital for Special Surgery will continue to influence surgical standards nationally. The Castle Connolly designation serves as an independent verification of clinical excellence that helps patients identify highly qualified specialists for complex orthopedic procedures.