A cable tie system, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for stabilizing bone. The system may provide a tie device comprising a strap including a leading region and a trailing region, a needle connected to the leading region of the strap, and a buckle connected to the trailing region of the strap. The buckle may be configured to receive the leading region of the strap such that the buckle and the strap collectively form a loop and a ratchet mechanism. The tie device also may comprise a handle connected to the buckle, to allow a person to tension the loop around bone by pulling the strap and the handle in opposite directions. The handle may be detached from the tie device after use.
