Abstract: Higher frictional heat will be produced during the service process of artificial hip joint prosthesis in vivo than natural joint. The loosening failure mechanism of prosthesis will be changed by the elevated temperature of prosthesis and synovial fluid. In order to improve the service life of prosthesis, it is important to study the frictional characteristics of the prosthesis, the lubrication characteristics of the synovial fluid and the biological characteristics of the related cells under the action of frictional heat. In this review, the latest research progress on the effect of frictional heat on the service life of hip joint prosthesis was summarized. Finally, the development trends were prospected.