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, 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.

Assisted By

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