Several studies have reported that disc degeneration and signs of facet effusion detected on T2-weighted (T2W) MRI can be indicators of potential lumbar spine instability 1) 2).

1)
Kuhns BD, Kouk S, Buchanan C, Lubelski D, Alvin MD, Benzel EC, Mroz TE and Tozzi J: Sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of mobile and nonmobile L4-L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis. Spine J. 15:1956–1962. 2015
2)
Cho IY, Park SY, Park JH, Suh SW and Lee SH: MRI findings of lumbar spine instability in degenerative spondylolisthesis. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 25(2309499017718907)2017.