Christopher Sliva, MD

Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon Specializing in Minimally Invasive Cervical & Lumbar Surgery in Rockford and Northern Illinois

Christopher D. Sliva, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience treating complex cervical and lumbar spine conditions. A senior spine specialist at OrthoIllinois Spine Center, Dr. Sliva is recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive spinal surgery (MIS), advanced navigation-guided techniques, and his patient-centered approach to cervical and lumbar disorders.

Dr. Sliva specializes in minimally invasive TLIF, minimal access ALIF, minimally invasive lumbar and cervical decompression, cervical disc replacement, and other outpatient procedures performed in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including StealthStation navigation, O-arm intraoperative imaging, and nano-surface implants, to improve precision, reduce tissue disruption, and accelerate healing and recovery. His practice also includes deformity correction, complex spine revision surgery, and comprehensive care for workers’ compensation and occupational spine injuries.

Areas of Clinical Expertise

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS):

• Minimally invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
• Minimal access ALIF
• Minimally invasive cervical decompression/foraminotomy
• Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion
• Tubular/muscle-sparing surgical access
• Navigation-guided instrumentation with StealthStation + O-arm
• Faster recovery, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays

Cervical Spine Surgery:

• Anterior Cervical Disc Replacement (CDR)
• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
• Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy
• Herniated discs and cervical stenosis
• Cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy

Lumbar Spine Surgery:

• Minimally invasive lumbar decompression
• Minimally invasive TLIF procedures
• Minimal access ALIF
• Nano-surface titanium implants for biologic fusion optimization
• Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis
• Sciatica and neurogenic claudication

Deformity & Complex Reconstruction:

• Degenerative scoliosis
• Coronal and sagittal imbalance
• Revision surgery for failed fusions or persistent symptoms

Outpatient ASC-Based Spine Surgery:

• Same-day cervical and lumbar procedures
• ASC protocols optimized for minimally invasive techniques

While many procedures can be safely performed in the ambulatory surgery center, Dr. Sliva also performs surgeries at local hospitals—including SwedishAmerican Hospital (UW Health), OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, and Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital—for patients who require a higher-acuity setting.

Workers’ Compensation & Occupational Spine Care:

• Work-related spine injury evaluation and management
• Return-to-work planning
• Coordination with case managers, adjusters, and employers

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Sliva emphasizes a conservative-first approach anchored in precise diagnosis, patient education, and shared decision-making. Surgery is recommended only when necessary—typically after non-operative treatments have failed or when nerve/spinal cord compression requires timely intervention.

Advanced Surgical Technologies

• StealthStation Navigation
• O-arm 3D Imaging
• Nano-surface titanium implants
• Tubular/MIS access systems
• ASC-optimized pathways

Conditions Treated

• Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Cervical myelopathy
• Thoracic myelopathy
• Foraminal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Degenerative scoliosis
• Work injuries
• Revision spine surgery

Education & Training

• Medical School: Rush Medical College – Chicago, Illinois
• Orthopedic Surgery Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics – Iowa City, Iowa
• Spine Surgery Fellowship: William Beaumont Hospital – Royal Oak, Michigan

Professional Roles & Experience

Dr. Sliva has been a key contributor to spine care in northern Illinois for more than two decades, serving in senior roles at Rockford Spine Center and OrthoIllinois. He has performed thousands of cervical and lumbar procedures, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, navigation-guided surgery, and advanced implant technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dr. Sliva perform minimally invasive spine surgery?

Yes—he is a high-volume minimally invasive surgeon performing MIS TLIF, cervical disc replacement, ACDF, and outpatient spine procedures.

Does he offer same-day surgery?

Yes. Many cervical and lumbar procedures are performed safely in the outpatient ambulatory surgery center for eligible patients.

Does he use advanced surgical technology?

Yes. He routinely uses StealthStation navigation, O-arm 3D imaging, and nano-surface implants to enhance precision and fusion outcomes.

Does he treat workers’ compensation spine injuries?

Yes. He provides comprehensive care for injured workers, including evaluation, treatment, and coordinated return-to-work planning.

Closing Summary

Christopher D. Sliva, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive cervical and lumbar surgery, navigation-guided procedures, cervical disc replacement, and advanced outpatient spine care. Widely regarded for his surgical precision, communication style, and long-standing experience, he delivers evidence-based, patient-centered treatment for the full spectrum of spine disorders.

Assisted By

Jason Kadar, PA-CKelsey Montana, FNP-CRachel Woker, APN