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. This recognition places him among an elite group of physicians, as only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are selected annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for their specialties in their respective regions. The selection process involves nominations by peer physicians and rigorous evaluation by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team, with doctors unable to pay for selection.

As an orthopedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Dr. McLawhorn practices at 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 residents throughout the tri-state area, including communities in Greenwich, Fairfield County, and Southern Connecticut.

Dr. McLawhorn's clinical expertise centers on advanced joint replacement techniques, particularly his specialization in direct anterior total hip replacement. He has pioneered the integration of the bikini incision anterior approach with robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA), a method that avoids cutting through major muscles. This technique offers significant patient benefits, as Dr. McLawhorn explains: "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."

His surgical repertoire extends beyond hip procedures to include robotic and computer-assisted hip replacement, hip resurfacing, partial knee replacement, minimally invasive total knee replacement, and rapid-recovery joint replacement. 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 precision afforded by robotic assistance represents a significant advancement in orthopedic care. "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."

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. McLawhorn 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. His educational background includes a Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, followed by residency in orthopedic surgery and fellowship in adult reconstruction and joint replacement at Hospital for Special Surgery. He maintains board certification from 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 comprehensive evaluation of nominee 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 nominations open to all board-certified MDs, DOs, and DPMs. This recognition system provides patients with reliable information when selecting healthcare providers, while honoring physicians who demonstrate exceptional clinical expertise and commitment to advancing medical care.