New York Orthopedic Surgeon Recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctor for Advanced Joint Replacement Techniques

Dr. Alexander McLawhorn, an orthopedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery, has been selected as a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, placing him among the elite 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide who receive this annual recognition. This designation matters because it signals the growing importance of specialized surgical expertise in orthopedic care, particularly as the population ages and demand for joint replacement procedures increases throughout the New York City metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

Dr. McLawhorn's clinical focus on direct anterior total hip replacement, specifically integrating the bikini incision anterior approach with robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty, represents a significant advancement in patient care. His technique avoids cutting through major muscles, which he explains offers substantial 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." The implications of this approach are substantial for patients in the tri-state area who seek joint replacement with minimal disruption to their lives and faster return to normal activities.

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 recognition underscores the critical role of surgical volume and expertise in achieving optimal patient outcomes. His work with robotic technology provides measurable advantages in surgical precision that directly impact patient recovery. "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."

The Castle Connolly selection process, which involves peer physician nominations followed by review by the physician-led research team, validates Dr. McLawhorn's contributions to the field. The criteria include medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories, with no financial payment required or accepted for inclusion. Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at https://www.castleconnolly.com and through various print and online partner publications. This recognition matters because it provides patients with independently verified information about highly qualified specialists in their region, particularly important for complex procedures like joint replacement where surgeon experience significantly influences outcomes.

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, positions that enable him to advance surgical techniques and train the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. His 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. These credentials, combined with his board certification through 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, demonstrate the comprehensive expertise required for such recognition.

The implications of this recognition extend beyond individual achievement to reflect broader trends in healthcare delivery. As medical technology advances, particularly in robotic-assisted surgery, patients in the New York metro area benefit from access to surgeons who combine extensive experience with cutting-edge techniques. Dr. McLawhorn's work at Hospital for Special Surgery, an institution nationally recognized as a Gold Standard Top Hospital for hip and knee replacement surgery, represents the convergence of institutional excellence and individual surgical expertise that defines high-quality orthopedic care in the region.