INTRODUCTION: Al 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 and TiO 2 have been considered as bioinert ceramics since they cannot induce apatite formation in SBF. They do however support bone cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation [1]. The ideal ceramic is a high performance biocomposite that combines the excellent material properties of alumina in terms of chemical stability and low wear and of zirconia with its superior mechanical strength and fracture toughness. In this study, we assessed the in vivo performance of a new Al 2 O 3 -ZrO 2 -TiO 2 ceramic prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering, by using an animal model (Wistar rats). METHODS: Investigation of the structural changes induced by TiO 2 addition to Al 2 O 3 / ZrO 2 was made by FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and EDAX were used for microstructure and morphology investigation of the samples prior to in vivo tests. In order to perform in vivo tests, the rat model (Wistar) has been applied for biocompatibility evaluation. The ceramics were used as granular material, irregular shaped, filling the defects created in the femur of Wistar rats. SEM micrographs were recorded on the rat femur along with the elemental composition of the sheared implant surfaces at different time intervals after the surgery. Calcium/phosphate ratio was considered as an indicative of the surface implant coverage for a successful osseointegration [2]. In order to monitor the osseointegration process in vivo, radiographic images were recorded at different time intervals after the surgical procedure. Histological examination of the connective tissue was performed to detect any immunological or inflammatory responses.