A case of fat embolism following Shiers' arthroplasty.

imbalance due to peritoneal irritation which leads to sequestration of fluid, electrolyte and colloid in the adynamic, distended intestine, leading eventually to severe acidosis. The present case is a good example of this electrolyte imbalance, i.e. hyperkalaemia, hypernatraemia, uraemia and acidosis. This bizarre biochemical picture is a helpful pointer to the diagnosis when an emergency retrograde cystogram cannot be performed or when the clinical picture is not entirely clear, as was the case in the above patient.