Topography of the perforating veins on the medial side of the leg (Cockett's veins).

A macroscopic anatomical investigation was carried out on 67 embalmed dissecting-room legs in order to determine the position, course, and origin of so-called Cockett's perforating veins. This information was considered to be of particular importance because of the frequency with which varicoses in this region are treated with sclerosing agents and the serious adverse effects that can follow a misplaced injection. In view of the almost universal credence given to the accuracy of Cockett's original description (Cockett FP, 1955, Br. J. Surg. 43:260-278), and the general acceptance of the constancy of "Cockett's veins," it was felt to be of importance to see to what extent we could confirm this description. It was found that the origins of these vessels and the places at which they penetrate the deep fascia are not constant, and that--in our series--only 7.3% of the veins belonging to these groups occupy the positions that are repeatedly cited in the literature as the most common. The clinical importance of any discrepancy between expectation and reality can hardly be exaggerated.