With more and more orthopedic instruments and implants used to treat damaged human joints and other tissues, finite element analysis has been more widely used in the field of orthopedic engineering. The finite element analysis method can divide the complex structure into small interacting elements to further reflect the stress and strain of the whole structure. Based on the application background of finite element analysis in orthopedic instruments and implants, this paper summarized and sorted out the application research progress of finite element method in modeling process, material structure selection of implants, implant approach, etc., prospected the application prospect of finite element method in orthopedic engineering, and pointed out the existing shortcomings. In order to provide reference for orthopedic transplantation before, during and after surgery.