Dr. Alexander McLawhorn has been selected as a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his first time receiving this prestigious designation that places him among an elite group, as only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are chosen annually. This recognition underscores his significant contributions to orthopedic surgery, particularly in joint reconstruction, where his innovative approaches are transforming patient outcomes.
Dr. McLawhorn practices 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. 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 including faster functional recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and lower dislocation risk.
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. The integration of robotic technology provides measurable advantages in surgical precision that directly impact patient outcomes. When combined with robotic assistance, surgeons can achieve precise implant positioning and leg length restoration, optimizing hip biomechanics and joint stability while lowering 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, positions that enable him to advance surgical techniques and train the next generation of orthopedic 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 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, ensuring the recognition reflects genuine professional achievement and peer respect.
This designation matters because it validates Dr. McLawhorn's specialized approach to joint replacement surgery at a time when advancements in robotic assistance and minimally invasive techniques are revolutionizing orthopedic care. His work with the bikini incision anterior approach represents a significant evolution in hip replacement surgery, addressing both functional outcomes and cosmetic concerns for patients. The implications extend beyond individual patient care to influence surgical standards and training protocols, potentially setting new benchmarks for recovery times and complication rates in joint replacement procedures.
The recognition also highlights the growing importance of specialized expertise in orthopedic surgery, particularly as the population ages and demand for joint replacement procedures increases. Dr. McLawhorn's combination of high surgical volume, academic leadership, and innovative technique development positions him as a key contributor to advancing the field. His work demonstrates how technological integration with surgical skill can create meaningful improvements in patient quality of life, reducing recovery periods and enhancing long-term joint function for those undergoing hip and knee replacement procedures.
