Due to the increasing number of orthopaedic and cardiac procedures, these units are considered as high-risk areas because of the potentially serious consequences of surgical site infections (SSI), primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The goal of this review was to evaluate the impact of S. aureus on the incidence of SSI in these high risk wards. Studies were identified by a search on the MEDLINE literature using the following mesh terms: S. aureus, cardiac, orthopaedic, surgery, SSI. Beside, data from different surveillance systems were also included. Overall, biological investigation was performed only on a small proportion of identified SSIs. Of those identified, S. aureus represented the most common pathogen accounting for approximately 20% of all SSIs. Of the 59,274 hip prostheses reported from the HELICS surveillance network, S. aureus formed 48.6% of the pathogens (416 bacteria isolated). Similarly, it represented 43.7% of pathogens after coronary artery bypass grafting. Although S. aureus turned out to be the major pathogen, this work identifies the relative lack of knowledge on the overall incidence of S. aureus infections and on the impact of this pathogenic agent when taking into consideration the degree of wound contamination and category of SSI. There is a need for more detailed information on the role of S. aureus in the burden of surgical site infections and consequently how to establish multiple approach prevention programs.