OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment results of fracture involved articular surface with absorbable screws and rods. METHODS: From October 1995 to May 2002, 32 patients with fracture involved articular surface were treated with absorbable screws and rods with the materials of SR-PGA and SR-PLLA. Bone traction or plaster external fixation were carried out postoperatively. RESULTS: The followed-up period varied from 3 months to 78 months, with an average of 18.5 months. According to the articular function evaluation criteria, the results were excellent in 24 patients, good in 6 patients and fair in 2 patients. The excellent and good rate was 93.7%. The fractures healed, without dislocation, infection and local effusion. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation of absorbable screws and rods is a perfect procedure for treating fracture involved articular surface, which avoided the pain of taking out internal fixation materials of the second operation.