This cadaveric anatomic study (12 shoulders, 6 Japanese donors) systematically measured the width of the superior shoulder joint capsule attachment on the greater tuberosity and compared it to the rotator cuff tendon footprint, asking whether the capsule contributes meaningfully to the functional footprint area — a question no prior study had addressed.
When planning rotator cuff repair or superior capsular reconstruction, recognize that the "footprint" you see includes capsular tissue — true tendon width is narrower than historical studies suggested, and the zone ~11 mm posterior to the anterior greater tuberosity is where both capsule and tendon are thinnest, explaining why degenerative tears initiate there.
This cadaveric anatomic study (12 shoulders, 6 Japanese donors) systematically measured the width of the superior shoulder joint capsule attachment on the greater tuberosity and compared it to the rotator cuff tendon footprint, asking whether the capsule contributes meaningfully to the functional footprint area — a question no prior study had addressed.
When planning rotator cuff repair or superior capsular reconstruction, recognize that the "footprint" you see includes capsular tissue — true tendon width is narrower than historical studies suggested, and the zone ~11 mm posterior to the anterior greater tuberosity is where both capsule and tendon are thinnest, explaining why degenerative tears initiate there.