Objective To explore the factors influencing postoperative function of elbow in adults with C-type fracture of distal humerus.Methods From March 2005 to June 2009,23 patients with C-type fracture of distal humerus were treated with open reduction and internal fixation.The function of the elbow was evaluated with Mayo elbow performance index.Related factors such as age,fracture classification,internal fixation method and initial time of postoperative rehabilitation were analyzed with Logistic regression model.Results The followed up time was 8 -36 (18.3 ± 2.1 ) months,the results demonstrated 6 excellent,8 good,4 fair and 5 poor,the excellent and good rate was 60.9%( 14/23 ).The excellent and good rate in the age ≤40 years old and ＞40 years old were 61.5%(8/13) and 60.0%(6/10)(P＞0.05);in C1,C2,C3 type fractures were 77.8% (7/9),62.5% (5/8),50.0% (3/6) respectively (P ＜ 0.05 );in plate patients and in Kirschner patients were 75.0% (9/12) and 54.5% (6/11)(P ＜ 0.05);in postoperative functional exercise ≤3 weeks and ＞ 3 weeks were 71.4%(10/14) and 55.6%(5/9 )(P＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions The fracture classification,internal fixation method and the initial time of postoperative rehabitation affect the functional restoration of distal fracture of humerus,and proper stable fixation with early suitable exercises according to the fracture classification will help improve the functional restoration.