Abstract: The wear debris generated by the long-term wear or dissociation of artificial joints could result in a series of biological responses and lead to aseptic loosening, which are harmful to the long-term effects of artificial joint replacement. Study on the morphology, quantity and generated mechanism of the wear debris during the movement of artificial joints may be important for improving the wear resistance and service life of artificial joints. In this paper, the latest development of isolating and characterizing the wear debris of artificial joints were summarized respectively. Finally, the development trends were prospected.