What condition could lead to joint erosion visible on radiographs?

Rheumatoid arthritis is the correct choice because it is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints, which often leads to joint erosion and deformity. This erosion occurs as a result of the persistent inflammatory processes that damage the cartilage, bone, and surrounding joint structures. As the disease progresses, the inflammation leads to the breakdown of these tissues, which can be clearly seen on radiographs as bone erosion or changes in joint architecture.

In contrast, osteoarthritis typically involves wear and tear of the cartilage rather than inflammatory erosion, making joint space narrowing more prominent than erosion on imaging studies. Gout is primarily characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to acute inflammation and tophi formation, but it does not generally cause the same type of erosive joint damage seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Muscle dystrophy involves muscle degeneration but does not directly affect joint structure or lead to erosion, as it primarily pertains to muscle tissue rather than the connective tissues within the joint.