This study investigates the long-term biocompatibility of 0.5 % zinc-containing hydroxyapatite compared with hydroxyapatite. Spheres (425 < ∅ < 550) of both materials were produced by extrusion of ceramic slurry in calcium chloride and characterized by FTIR, XRD, XRF and SEM. Fifteen White New Zealand rabbits were submitted to general anesthesia, and an perforation (2 mm), was made in each tibia, one for zinc-containing hydroxyapatite sphere implantation and one for hydroxyapatite sphere implantation. After 26, 52 and 78 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and the fragment containing the biomaterial was harvested. A 30-50 μm section was obtained for histological analysis in bright field and polarized light. SEM images revealed similar morphologies between the tested biomaterials. Histological analysis showed that there was no difference between the test groups. The morphometric analysis, however, indicates that there was a greater absorption. The materials are biocompatible, promote osteogenesis and that the zinc-containing hydroxyapatite microspheres were absorbed more quickly.