Your Journey With Dr. McLawhorn
From your first consultation to your final follow-up, Dr. McLawhorn and his team are with you every step of the way.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. McLawhorn will review your medical history, examine your joint, and study your imaging. He will take as much time as needed to understand your goals, explain your options, and answer every question. No question is too small.
Step 2: Treatment Planning
If surgery is recommended, you and Dr. McLawhorn will build a personalized surgical plan together — including approach, implant selection, and timing that works for your life. If surgery is not yet necessary, he will map out a non-surgical management plan that makes sense for your situation.
Step 3: Pre-Operative Prep
Our team will guide you through every pre-op requirement:
Pre-surgical testing and medical clearance
Medication review (some must be paused before surgery)
Pre-operative exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint
Home preparation guidance
Insurance coordination and authorization
Step 4: Surgery at HSS
Your surgery will take place at Hospital for Special Surgery — consistently ranked the #1 hospital in the world for orthopedics. Dr. McLawhorn and his dedicated OR team will execute your personalized surgical plan with precision technology, including robotic assistance when appropriate.
Step 5: Recovery & Rehab
Most patients go home the same day. Our team will provide detailed recovery instructions. For most hip and knee replacements, walking begins immediately. Physical therapy is coordinated as needed.
Step 6: Long-Term Follow-Up
All patients are routinely followed with clinical examinations and X-rays at approximately 6 weeks, 1 year, and every 5 years thereafter to monitor implant performance and overall joint health. Additional appointments are available whenever needed, and our team remains accessible between scheduled visits to address questions, concerns, or new symptoms as they arise.