The relationship of the glenohumeral joint capsule to the rotator cuff

The glenohumeral joint capsules of 23 shoulders in which the rotator cuff was not torn were studied by gross dissection and histologic methods. The cuff tendons were resected, leaving the intact capsule attached to the bones. This dissection method provided a unique overview of the capsule in situ and allowed the areas of cuff tendon and muscle attachment to be mapped. The capsule was found to be a continuous cylinder between humerus and glenoid. On approximately one-third of the capsule (the portion adjacent to the humeral tuberosities), tight insertions of cuff tendons were noted. The superior segment between subscapularis and supraspinatus contained the coracohumeral ligament. This segment appeared to reinforce the cuff through a transversely oriented band similar to the glenohumeral ligaments.