My ortho dr put screws in the bones under my knees at the top of the bottom half of my leg 30 years ago & i've never had an instant of trouble with them, even after further surgery on my knees the following year.

The dr then said there was no reason to remove the screws they wouldn't do any harm either way.

But, in your uncle's case there's several plates & 13 screws so I personally think he should try & get several opinions from good orthopaedic surgeons & keep researching on health sites/forums etc. I definitely wouldn't keep or take them out without alot more factual information & other opinions!! Too dodgy.

I would also suggest that your uncle start taking strong calcium supplements to help strengthen his bones (especially that one!!) along with viatmin/mineral supplements for arthritis which he's almost certainly going to get otherwise.

Usually hardware does not need to be removed unless it becomes symptomatic which is generally uncommon. Once the fracture heals the plate and screws can be removed if it feels prominent, causes pain or if the hardware fails. It is usually best to leave it in if it is not symptomatic because it avoids a second operation. The second operation also increases the chances for infection and is not necessary in most cases.