Objective To review the research progress of the location marker of rotational alignment of the distal femur. Methods The recent literature concerning the location marker of rotational alignment of the distal femur at home and abroad was extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results Femoral prosthesis malrotational alignment could lead to some patellofemoral complications, such as dislocation of the patella, snapping, wear, and patellar pain. There are many methods to determining femoral component rotational alignment in the artificial total knee arthroplasty, including transepicondylar axis line, anterior posterior axis, the posterior condyles line, flexion gap balance technology, and computer navigation technology. Correct choice of the rotational alignment of the distal femur is crucial in reducing postoperative complications and the revision rate. Suitable reference axis is chosen during total knee arthroplasty to ensure the accuracy of the rotation axis of the femoral prosthesis, but it is currently still controversial. Conclusion The rotational alignment of the distal femur is an extremely important part to affect the prognosis of total knee arthroplasty. The methods to determine the rotational alignment of the distal femur need to be further improved.