Orthopedic Surgeon Alexander McLawhorn Recognized as 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Dr. Alexander McLawhorn 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 annually for their specialty expertise within their regions. The orthopedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist practices at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), an institution nationally recognized as a Gold Standard Top Hospital for hip and knee replacement surgery.

Dr. McLawhorn's selection matters because it underscores the growing importance of specialized surgical techniques that significantly improve patient outcomes in joint replacement procedures. His particular expertise in direct anterior total hip replacement, including the integration of the bikini incision anterior approach with robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA), represents a substantial advancement in orthopedic care. This technique avoids cutting through major muscles, which Dr. McLawhorn explains provides both cosmetic and functional benefits. "The bikini incision follows the natural inguinal skin crease, providing a cosmetically appealing, low-profile scar," he says. "This method is designed to facilitate faster functional recovery, reduce postoperative pain, and lower the risk of dislocation."

The implications of these surgical innovations extend beyond individual patient care to broader healthcare impacts. As one of the most experienced surgeons in the country performing over 600 joint replacements and more than 400 robotic hip surgeries annually, Dr. McLawhorn's work demonstrates how precision medicine is transforming orthopedic surgery. "When combined with robotic assistance, surgeons can achieve precise and accurate implant positioning and leg length restoration, optimizing hip biomechanics and joint stability," he notes. "This precision lowers the risk of dislocation and leg length discrepancy — two of the most common concerns after hip replacement."

Dr. McLawhorn's recognition carries significance for the medical community and patients alike, particularly those in the tri-state area where he maintains offices and surgical facilities in both New York City and Stamford, serving communities throughout Greenwich, Fairfield County, and Southern Connecticut. His additional expertise in robotic and computer-assisted hip replacement, hip resurfacing, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive total knee replacement, and rapid-recovery joint replacement positions him at the forefront of orthopedic innovation.

The selection process for Castle Connolly Top Doctors adds credibility to this recognition, as physicians are nominated by peer physicians and selected by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team based on rigorous criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at https://www.castleconnolly.com and in various print and online partner publications, with doctors unable to pay for selection. This independent verification process ensures that recognized physicians like Dr. McLawhorn represent the highest standards of medical excellence in their respective fields.