['To date, there are no studies about the attachment of the articular capsule of the superior shoulder joint. The aim of this study was to measure the width of the attachment of the articular capsule on the humerus, and to clarify the anatomy and the relationship to the footprint of the rotator cuff.', 'The attachment of the articular capsule on the greater tuberosity was exposed. The width of the attachment of the capsule and the footprint of the rotator cuff were measured.', 'The maximum capsular width was located at the border between the infraspinatus and the teres minor, and measured 9.1 mm. The minimum capsular width was 3.5 mm, and it was located at 10.9 mm posterior to the anterior margin of the greater tuberosity and 1.5 mm anterior to the posterior margin of the supraspinatus.'] Does the superior capsule of the shoulder joint complement the insertion of the rotator cuff?