Magnetic Resonance Imaging has shown to be very useful in evaluating several aspects of spinal cord injury (SCI) but traditional MRI has limited predictive value because it cannot readily distinguish important fine structural detail within the cord. Diffusion MRI is a very promising technique that is sensitive to microstructural tissue characteristics but it has yet to be applied to the spinal cord. In this project we investigate the potential of existing methods like diffusion tensor imaging and develop new techniques that are more sensitive to specific tissue characteristics like axon diameter and density to help understanding the underlying structural changes in SCI. With new SCI treatment strategies on the horizon, this technique will provide novel biomarkers for measuring therapy outcome and will be of great significance in monitoring the success of future clinical trials.