OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of the emergent repair of peripheral nerve injury of the wrist. METHODS From July 1993 to December 1997, 17 cases were admitted, which 21 injured peripheral nerves were repaired emergently. Among them, there were 11 cases of median nerve injury, 2 cases of ulnar nerve injury and 4 cases of median and ulnar nerve injury. All the nerves were ruptured completely except one which was partially ruptured. The emergent operation was taken and the injured nerves were repaired by microsurgical technique. RESULTS Followed up 6 to 18 months after operation, 95.25% injured nerves had good outcome. CONCLUSION Because of the specific structure of the wrist, nerve injury at this part need to be repaired emergently. It can enhance the regeneration of the injured nerve, preserve the function of the intrinsic muscle of hand, and decrease the local adhesion.