Orthopedic Surgeon Alexander McLawhorn Recognized as 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Alexander McLawhorn, MD, has been named a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his first year receiving this prestigious designation that recognizes only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians for their specialty expertise in their regions. Dr. McLawhorn serves as an orthopedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), 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 orthopedic care to patients throughout the tri-state area, including communities in Greenwich, Fairfield County, and Southern Connecticut.

Dr. McLawhorn's particular expertise lies in direct anterior total hip replacement, specifically the integration of the bikini incision anterior approach with robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA). This innovative technique avoids cutting through major muscles, following the natural inguinal skin crease to create a cosmetically appealing, low-profile scar. According to Dr. McLawhorn, this method facilitates faster functional recovery, reduces postoperative pain, and lowers the risk of dislocation compared to traditional approaches. His comprehensive expertise also includes robotic and computer-assisted hip replacement, hip resurfacing, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive total knee replacement, and rapid-recovery joint replacement protocols.

As one of the most experienced joint replacement surgeons in the country, Dr. McLawhorn performs over 600 joint replacements annually, including more than 400 robotic hip surgeries. He emphasizes that robotic assistance enables surgeons to achieve precise implant positioning and accurate leg length restoration, which optimizes hip biomechanics and joint stability. This precision directly addresses two of the most common concerns following hip replacement surgery by lowering the risk of dislocation and leg length discrepancy. The combination of advanced surgical techniques and robotic technology represents a significant advancement in orthopedic care that benefits patients through improved outcomes and reduced complication rates.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. McLawhorn maintains academic appointments as an Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and serves as the Director of Research and Innovation for Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement at HSS. His professional credentials include board certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and 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 nomination by peer physicians followed by rigorous review by the physician-led research team, with selections based on medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Additional information about the Top Doctors program is available at https://www.castleconnolly.com. Physicians cannot pay to be selected for this recognition, ensuring the integrity of the designation process.