[A phlebologic dogma concerning the localization of the Cockett's perforating veins]

Such well-known authors as Cockett, Haeger, Kubik and May have reported that the lowest Cockett's perforating vein is located at a level of 6-7 cm, and the second at 13.5-15 cm, the uppermost or third at 18.5 cm and the "24 perforating vein" at 24 cm from the foot sole; all are on the Linton's line. If this is the case, then this information is a help to surgeons looking for these pathogenetically important veins. We have therefore investigated radiological patients (phlebography) and surgical patients in this respect. In contrast to the reports of the authors mentioned, however, we did not find any predilection levels, even when the perforator heights found by means of the lower-leg length (radiological patients) or the height (surgical patients) were corrected or made relative. Our investigations therefore indicate that one cannot rely on the specified predilection level in the localization of these veins. Incidentally, we found the Cockett's perforating veins not at the level of the Linton's line, but on a "lane" with a width of up to 3 cm. It is therefore high time that the phlebological dogma of predilection sites of Cockett's perforating veins be revised.