Artificial joints acting as implants to replace diseased or injured human joints should possess good wear resistance, mechanical properties and oxidative stability besides biocompatibility. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been widely used as artificial implants because of its excellent chemical and physical properties. This review article summarized methods for modifying the comprehensive properties of UHMWPE implant, including radiation cross-linking, thermal treatment, adding antioxygen. The review also summarized latest progress on improving mechanical properties of the implant through inducing formation of self-reinforced structure in flow field, and also prospected the research direction of high performance artificial joint in the future. Keywords: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene; artificial joint; wear resistance; oxidation resistance; mechanical properties