Sunway Medical Centre Penang has introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted bone health risk assessment into its routine health screening programme, using existing chest X-rays to help flag patients who may require further evaluation for osteoporosis.
The private medical centre is working with BREGO Life Sciences to deploy VeriOsteo OP, an AI-assisted bone mineral density risk assessment software developed by Acer Medical, within its existing chest X-ray workflow.
Patients undergo their usual chest X-rays, while the software provides clinicians with an additional risk signal that can help identify individuals who may benefit from further assessment.
Since its introduction in April 2026, the hospital has screened 2,954 people aged 21 and above, with 81 subsequently referred for formal dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment (DEXA) following clinical review. The patients had attended for general health screening rather than because of suspected bone conditions.
BREGO Life Sciences founder Dr Danny Wong said the initiative was aimed at bringing bone health assessment into routine healthcare rather than waiting for patients to seek dedicated screening.
“We are supporting healthcare providers with technology that can help bring previously unnoticed risks to light and guide patients towards the appropriate next step,” he said.
Sunway Medical Centre Penang stressed that the AI system does not diagnose osteoporosis or replace DEXA, which remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Instead, it acts as a clinical decision-support tool, with doctors reviewing patients’ medical history, medications and other recognised risk factors before deciding whether further testing is needed.
The approach could be particularly useful for adults aged 50 and above, postmenopausal women, people receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy and those with a significant family history of osteoporosis.
Consultant Geriatrician and Physician Dr Low Chung Min said earlier identification could allow patients to receive a more comprehensive assessment before a fracture occurs, including DEXA screening, falls prevention, medication review, nutritional support and exercise interventions.
The partnership comes amid concerns that osteoporosis can progress without obvious symptoms. A Bone Health Alliance Malaysia survey cited in the release found that 82% of 807 respondents were unaware when they should begin assessing their bone health, highlighting gaps in preventive screening.
