This article concerns an extension of the topological derivative concept for 3D elasticity problems involving elastic inhomogeneities, whereby an objective function J is expanded in powers of the characteristic size a of a single small inhomogeneity. The O(a 6) approximation of J is derived and justified for an inhomogeneity of given location, shape and elastic properties embedded in a 3D solid of arbitrary shape and elastic properties; the background and the inhomogeneity materials may both be anisotropic. The generalization to multiple small inhomogeneities is concisely described. Computational issues, and examples of objective functions commonly used in solid mechanics, are discussed.