[Assessment of the capability of performance of patients with psychic and psychosomatic diseases--a diagnostic model]

The limited availability of appropriate methods and criteria makes the assessment of capability by psychic and psychosomatic disorders difficult. This article displays and discusses the standards relating to content and method in capability assessments. The underlying diagnostic model of assessment capability has been conceptualised and tested empirically by a multicentric and interdisciplinary work-group. Different diagnostic levels of the manual are outlined as well as the procedures of operationalisation of the diagnostic categories. Furthermore, first results of empirical analysis are described and important conditions of the application of the diagnostic model are discussed.

[Integration of psychological tests into clinical expert reports on mental disorders]

Norm-referenced psychological tests may provide crucial information that cannot be derived from non-standardised assessment techniques. However, little is known about the use of psychological tests in medical expert reports. Based on 90 medical expert reports from private invalidity insurances, the use of psychological tests and the appropriateness of test-score interpretation was analysed. About 60% of the reports included test-related data. Two-third of these reports revealed deficits of either test description or interpretation or utilisation of test results. It was recommended how to interpret test results appropriately. Psychological tests should be used to validate diagnostic findings. Tests should be integrated into a multi-method assessment strategy.

Diagnostics design for steady-state operation of the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator

The status of the diagnostic developments for the quasistationary operable stellarator Wendelstein 7-X (maximum pulse length of 30 min at 10 MW ECRH heating at 140 GHz) will be reported on. Significant emphasis is being given to the issue of ECRH stray radiation shielding of in-vessel diagnostic components, which will be critical at high density operation requiring O2 and OXB heating.

[Deformity-associated treatment of the hallux valgus complex]

Hallux valgus represents a combined deformity with malpositioning of the big toe in the metatarsophalangeal joint and metatarsal splaying due to metatarsus primus varus formation. It is defined on the basis of joint condition of the metatarsophalangeal and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints, the extent and congruence or incongruence of malposition, mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint and TMT stability. Basic resection appears to be indicated only in exceptional cases. Depending on the degree of severity, deformities can be corrected by means of distal, diaphyseal or proximal osteotomies and TMT arthrodeses. Any correction requires the use of subtle soft tissue surgery with recentering of the tendon, tightening of the medial capsule and abductor hallucis and releasing the lateral capsule. A check-list-like analysis of hallux valgus deformity helps determine the ideal procedure and avoid over- or under-treatment.